You hear this at the start of every cold and flu season, “increase your Vitamin C”! Does it actually help?
Vitamin C is necessary for the proper function of immune cells which help in fighting infections.
Vitamin C has not been proven to prevent cold and flu but does appear to decrease the duration of illness about 10%.
The best way to decrease symptom duration is to consume 200mg of Vitamin C is through your diet, not supplements! This does not work if you only start during the illness. It is important to ensure that daily you are obtaining enough Vitamin C. The bonus of obtaining your Vitamin C through your diet is that you will be consuming other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well!
There are so many options to choose from! Try adding these into your daily diet!
Citrus
Leafy greens
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Winter squash
Kiwi
Cantaloupe
Potatoes