The active ingredient of chili is capsaicin, a substance that gives it that spicy characteristic. In addition, it consists of water, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and vitamins, and obviously includes a good fraction of vitamin C.
The remedies with vitamins C directed to fight the colds are effective and widely used by the population in general. However, research on this claim is a bit controversial.
Although not fully proven, large doses of vitamins C can help reduce the duration of colds. However, they do not protect us from contracting it. These vitamins can also be useful for those exposed to brief periods of severe or extreme physical activity.
Remedies with vitamin C can vary their effectiveness between one person and another, so they are not always effective. On the other hand, most people tolerate a dose of 1000 to 2000 mg a day but keep in mind that too much vitamin C can cause an upset stomach.
What is vitamin C for?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient of the body that contributes to different body processes such as:- Collagen formation.
- Healing of wounds.
- Immune function (hence the efficacy of remedies with vitamins C to overcome colds).
- Synthesis of neurotransmitters.
- In addition, it is an antioxidant substance, that is, it has the ability to defend ourselves against the action of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that have an unpaired electron capable of mating, so they are very reactive.
Vitamin C deficiency:
When we do not take enough vitamins C, we can get sick with scurvy. It is a disease characterized by:- Weakness.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Spontaneous hemorrhages in the gums and skin that take time to heal.
- In addition, the deficiency of this vitamins C also influences cardiovascular health.
- Low levels in these vitamins are associated with a worsening of heart failure.
5 remedies with vitamin C to overcome colds:
You do not need to take supplements to get the required daily amount of vitamin C. In fact, there is a whole series of fruits and vegetables that contain much more than the daily requirement advised by the World Health Organization (WHO): 45 mg.
Although many associates the orange and the lemon as main sources of vitamin C, the truth is that they are not the richest source of ascorbic acid. The scientific journal BBC Focus published a list of the foods that contain the highest amount of vitamins C. Among them we find:
1.Guava:
It is one of the most effective remedies with vitamin C to fight colds. For every 100 grams, it provides 228 milligrams of vitamins C. It is used in many countries like the Philippines thanks to its natural properties.
For example:
Combat constipation: it is a fruit rich in fiber, so it strengthens intestinal transit and helps solve this type of problem.Rich in folic acid: vitamin B is especially indicated for gestation periods as it helps to prevent possible malformations in the fetus.
It contains vitamin A and C: Provitamin A is essential in periods of growth, in addition to intervening in the care of vision, the formation of the nails and the maintenance of the hair. As for vitamin C, it is essential for the previously explained processes.
2.Blackcurrant:
The blackcurrant provides 200 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. In addition to being one of the most used vitamin C remedies, it also stands out for its content in other vitamins such as those in group B. Among them are:Pantothenic acid (vitamins B5).
Pyridoxine (vitamins B6).
Thiamine (vitamins B1).
It is also a food rich in iron, which is a mineral necessary for protection against immune deficiencies and fatigue when transporting oxygen to cells.
3.Vitamin C in Red pepper:
- Carotenoids
- Flavonoids
- Water.
- Vitamins B6 and B9.
- Capsaicin
4.Chile:
The active ingredient of chili is capsaicin (neuropeptide releasing agent ), a substance that gives it that spicy characteristic. In addition, it consists of water, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and vitamins and obviously includes a good fraction of vitamin C.It contributes 144 mg per 100 grams of chili consumed. In addition, it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
5.Parsley:
Two spoons of parsley provide:
- 2% of the daily needs for calcium, iron and folic acid.
- 12% vitamin A.
- More than 150% vitamin K.
- 16% of vitamin C.
- It treats of food that contributes numerous profits for the organism, to part of fighting the cold you.
For example:
- It contributes to the prevention of kidney stones.
- Provides pain relief in the joints.
- Fight fatigue.
Vitamin C strengthens the immune system
Conclusion:
In addition to these 5 remedies with vitamin C to overcome colds, there are more foods rich in this vitamin. We recommend an adequate consumption of them to keep your immune system in good condition. In the case of having a cold, you can take advantage of its natural properties to fight it.
