Vitamin C has been a popular buzzword in recent years. However, not all vitamin C is created equally. Most vitamin C supplements on the market contain ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is a fraction of vitamin C that has antioxidant functions. It is synthetically made and lacks some of the beneficial compounds that are naturally found in vitamin C.
In this image, we see that ascorbic acid is simply the outer shell of whole form vitamin C - not the complete compound. Hopefully, this diagram will help you understand the importance of including the entire molecular structure into your wellness lifestyle.
Additionally, antioxidants work together in something called an antioxidant network. Adequate amounts of vitamin E, lipoic acid, CoQ10, and glutathione are required to get maximum protection against oxidative damage.
If you've been a part of the Kale Me Kourt family for a while, you probably know that I am all about prioritizing natural solutions and using "food as medicine." Ascorbic acid is synthetically derived via the Reichstein process. The Reichstein process is a chemical and microbial process that turns glucose into ascorbic acid. Simply put, ascorbic acid is manufactured in laboratories across the globe.
Acerola cherries and camu camu are great whole food supplements that you can use if you have increased needs. However, eating vitamin C rich foods is sufficient for most individuals. Good sources of vitamin C include kiwis, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, strawberries, papaya, tomatoes, and more. When you eat foods high in vitamin C, you're also getting the beneficial polyphenols and phytochemicals contained in those foods. You're getting real, naturally occurring vitamins, fiber, healthy carbohydrates, and valuable nutrients.
If you're looking for more ways to increase your vitamin C intake, try my adrenal cocktail recipe! You can find the recipe here.
