Vitamin C is an antioxidant which enhances the immune system, reduces inflammation and is essential to the body’s healing process, including burns and wounds, and tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C also promotes healthy gums, adrenal gland function, and protects against infection and cancer. It can reduce symptoms associated with asthma, enhance iron absorption, and may help lower high blood pressure. Vitamin C also acts as a building block for collagen in the skin, and protects skin cells from age spots and wrinkling caused by sunlight and environmental pollutants. Naturally occurring substances in citrus fruits, called flavanoids, show promise in preventing prostate cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Vitamin C is not manufactured by the body, but must be obtained nutritionally through foods or supplements. It is best to acquire vitamin C from whole food sources, instead of swallowing a pill that may contain artificial colors, sweeteners and flavors. You can get your doses of vitamin C with these easy-to-make chewables. The following 4 fruits are superb, natural sources of vitamin C. Each is derived from the fruit of its respective plant. Acerola (Malpighia glabra) comes from the berry of a rainforest herb similar to the cherry. It is one of the richest, natural sources of vitamin C and is used commercially in natural, vitamin supplements. It helps relieve diarrhea and reduce fever. Amla (Emblica officinalas) is also known as Indian gooseberry. It is the fruit of a deciduous tree native to India. It is a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is rich in flavonoids, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Orange Peel (Citrus sinesis) is derived from the peels of the fruit of any tree in the Sweet Orange family. Although it is considered native to China, oranges are commercially raised in over 100 countries, including the states of: Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona. Orange peels have been used in traditional Chinese medicine since the second century BC. The peel actually contains more flavonoids, enzymes and phyto-nutrients than the fruit. Rosehips are the fruit of the rose (Rosa canina). It is an excellent source of vitamin C. Before the advent of vitamin tablets, rosehips were used to prevent scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency. It relieves diarrhea, bladder problems and helps heal all infections. It is also used in many vitamin and nutritional supplements. These natural fruit derivatives are not only rich in vitamin C, but are all available certified organic, in powder form from any herbal supplier or health food store. With the powders on hand, it is easy to make vitamin C Vitamin C Chews Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Acerola powder 1 Tablespoon Amla powder 1 Tablespoon Orange peel powder (additional needed for final step) 1 Tablespoon Rosehips powder Approx. ¼ cup Raw honey Directions: Add equal amounts of the 4 powders to a bowl. Seal and shake gently to blend the powders together. Uncover the bowl and pour a little of the raw honey into the mixture. Stir to combine. Pour more honey and stir. Continue stirring in more honey, just until the mixture forms a thick, but not sticky paste. Allow the mixture to dry slightly at room temperature, for about 5 minutes. Then pinch off a small amount and roll it in your hands, forming a pea-size ball. Repeat process, until all mixture is rolled into bite-size balls. Place additional orange peel powder into the bowl. Roll each ball into the powder to coat the outside. Store vitamin C chews in an airtight, glass container. They will keep for several months if stored properly. Important Notes: Chew one or several of the chews daily for its nutritional benefits. Chew several per day at the first sign of a cold or illness. How do you know if you’ve consumed too much? Diarrhea is an indication that you’ve mega-dosed vitamin C. If this happens, stop taking the chewables until your bowels return to normal. Honey should never be given to children younger than one-year-old.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 13:40:46 +0000