Have you had your Vitamin C today?
When the winter blanket finally hits the Snowy Mountains, the rest of the country shivers. And with this cold snap comes a desire to relax by the fire and eat more comfort foods.
But winter is no time to be complacent! So we’ve sought help from Tara Kaff, the in-house dietitian at Amazonia and a former nutritionist for the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team.
“As the days get colder, the chances of suffering from cold and flu-like symptoms increase and we are looking for ways to protect ourselves from the common cold,” Tara said. “While there is no high-quality scientific research to prove that Vitamin C prevents people from getting a cold, there is research suggesting the duration of a cold can be shortened through Vitamin C supplementation.”
In fact, according to Healthline, a dose of up to two grams “was enough to shorten the duration of a cold by 18 per cent in children” with 6-8 grams being recommended for adults.
But Vitamin C is not just for immune health!
“Now that gyms are back in action, physical activity has significantly increased,” Tara continued. “Exercise creates oxidative stress in the body and Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals that are a by-product of oxidative stress.”
The problem with free radicals in the body is that they can suppress immune health. Which means the chances of contracting something after a harsh exercise increases.
“Additionally, Vitamin C assists with decreasing excess inflammation,” Tara said. “Both reduction in free radicals and reduction of inflammation help muscle recovery post-training.”
“Vitamin C is also an essential nutrient to produce collagen which means better hair, skin and nails,” Tara added.
So if you want healthy, glowing skin this summer and tight, beautiful muscles, Vitamin C is worth adding to your diet. And while it can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, Tara has produced a powerful supplement to make it easier for you.
Please make welcome Amazonia’s Raw Vitamin C, perfect for boosting your overall health this winter.
Amazonia Raw Vitamin C Complex. Image: Supplied
“Amazonia’s Raw Vitamin C is a potent, organic source of Vitamin C to support immunity, healthy hair, skin, nails and iron absorption,” Tara said. “This delicious blend provides Vitamin C in a highly bioavailable, wholefood form.”
The supplement is a mix of Vitamin C-rich fruits like orange, camu camu and berries, along with prebiotic extracts and some herbs and spices to flavour. It boosts your recommended daily intake and tastes delicious mixed with water as an extra ingredient added to your own homemade tonics.
To start your Vitamin C journey, try this tonic recipe by Tara Kaff:
Image: Daniel Hine
Immunity-Boosting Vitamin C Ginger Tonic
When you need a real pick-me-up, stir up this mighty concoction!
Ingredients
1 serve of Amazonia Raw Vitamin C
250mL warm water
1-2 tsp grated or sliced ginger
½ lemon, juiced
¼ orange, juiced
Combine all ingredients in a heatproof glass, mix thoroughly. Alternatively, if you want a cold fizz beverage, you can swap the warm water with chilled soda water.
Want to learn more ways to boost your immunity? Check out these 8 tips! And if you want to look good this season, we’ve got you covered with these 10 beauty products you can pamper yourself with!
Feature image: Daniel Hine, Sunshine Coast Food Photographer. Image supplied.
