Question:

Gillian asked "As cold and flu season is approaching, what are the Warrior Mamas doing for Vitamin C?"

Answer:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps ward off harmful pathogens. Humans lack the ability to make vitamin C and therefore, we must obtain all necessary vitamin C from our diet.

Vitamin C is helpful for many functions in the body including supporting healthy immune function, lessening the duration and symptoms of the common cold, neutralizing the effects of nitrites (a preservative that may increase the risk of certain cancers), helping with the absorption of iron, repairing and regenerating tissues, helping protect against a variety of cancers, etc.

Acerola Cherry Powder

One of our favourite vitamin C products is Acerola Cherry Powder by Healthy Force. The vitamin C in this powder comes from whole-food acerola cherry extract. It is food based, so basically like adding a dried whole superfood to the meal to boost nutrition.

Acerola cherries are known to be low in calories, while being exceptionally rich in vitamin C. In fact, each single acerola cherry has 65 times more vitamin C than an orange. Additionally, it naturally contains the cofactors required for optimum vitamin C activity (such as bioflavonoids, vitamins, and minerals). Adding it to smoothies and popsicles are a great way of incorporating this nutrient dense, whole food organic powder!

Garden of Life Vitamin C Spray

Garden of Life mykind Organics makes a great vitamin C food based spray that is easily administered for kids, is certified organic and non-GMO verified.

NOTE: Both the Health Force acerola cherry powder and the Garden of Life vitamin C spray are whole-food based. The difference is that one is a a powder and one is a spray, so depending on consumer preference you may choose one over the other. In addition, there are many more servings per container of the acerola cherry so it will last you much longer.

What about Liposomal Vitamin C?

This is something we turn to when our little ones are feeling run down or have come down with something. In addition it can be used by mama and other members of the family for prevention during cold and flu season or when others in the house are sick.

The research shows that the body can only absorb so much vitamin C at one time. In addition, it can only maintain certain blood levels of vitamin C once blood is saturated. However, in liposomal form, this water soluble vitamin is put into a fat package that allows us to absorb more than when compared to taking it as a water soluble vitamin. Liposomal means that this vitamin C will actually make it into the cell (passes the cells 'fatty' membrane), therefor offering superior absorption and bioavailability. If you are looking to add some liposomal vitamin C to your medicine cabinet (although keep it in the fridge!), you can find a great product here; Liposomal Vitamin C Powerful Immune Enhancer.

What about other food sources?

Eight great food sources of vitamin C include:

• Camu Camu
• Papaya
• Bell Peppers
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Strawberries
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Oranges