Oranges help with collagen production??? What?!
In researching this possibility, one amazing article I found- [highlighted below] was so packed with vital and surprising Vitamin C information. Some benefits including how it may help with serious dis-eases of the body; cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, right on down to the common cold and wound healing. However, in our appearance obsessed culture… guilty as charged, given that I am halfway to 100… the benefit that depressingly had the most motivating shock value was the mention of collagen production! As in, skin…wrinkles… a defense against the signs of aging.
I am so happy to have this knowledge! Most collagen resources are animal based and given my omnivor-ish eating propensities… I definitely don’t get enough collagen regenerating resourses. That is…until i realized that the fresh orange and grapefruit drink I have started to make for us in the morings packed more punch than just ye olde vitamin C. So maybe I do?
Vitamin C plays an important role in a number of bodily functions including the production of collagen, L-carnitine, and some neurotransmitters. It helps metabolize proteins and its antioxidant activity may reduce the risk of some cancers. Collagen, which vitamin C helps produce, is the main component of connective tissue and the most abundant protein in mammals. Between 1 and 2% of muscle tissue is collagen. It is a vital component in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments, skin, cornea, cartilage, bones, the gut, and blood vessels.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#how_much_is_too_much_vitamin_C
While I am interested in the obvious health benefits, to understand that it simultaneously combats aging skin… well, that’s delicious. That is not to say that I am not aggravated at the constant bombardment of those anti aging messages from the ad industry, targeting women. However, to know there are natural options rather than juvaderm botox… is relieving. So am I giving in to that cultural norm? Maybe…but only through a healthy diet, not bacteria to the face, thank you.
Benefits Your Body
May reduce your risk of chronic disease.
May help manage high blood pressure. …
May lower your risk of heart disease. …
May reduce blood uric acid levels and help prevent gout attacks. …
Helps prevent iron deficiency. …
Boosts immunity. …
Protects your memory and thinking as you age.
Feb 18, 2020
www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits
It’s Low in Calories, Yet High in Nutrients.
It May Benefit Your Immune System. …
May Promote Appetite Control. ..
It Has Been Shown to Aid Weight Loss. …
Grapefruit May Help Prevent Insulin Resistance and Diabetes. …
Eating Grapefruit May Improve Heart Health. …
It’s High in Powerful Antioxidants. …
May Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones.
Feb 18, 2017
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-grapefruit
The FDA’s recommended daily value (DV) for vitamin C is 90 mg.
Adult males should consume 90 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per day and females should consume 75 mg per day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During pregnancy, women should have 85 mg a day, and 120 mg while breastfeeding.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#how_much_is_too_much_vitamin_C
Consuming red peppers, citrus fruits, spinach, strawberries, broccoli, and tomatoes are other delicious sources of vitamin C! That may be helpful to know for those who may have acid issues.
Speaking of issues…there are a few cautions with consuming too much vitamin C but it pertains mainly to the supplement form, not the form of the whole food. And I am an advocate of resourcing my nutrients from the food rather than the pill. As well, grapefruit shouldn’t be consumed if taking certain medications.
[See the highlighted section below for more information.]
CAUTION:
It- [Consuming grapefruit] – particularly affects certain anti-cholesterol statin drugs, as well as some medicines used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and even allergies. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can cause too much or too little of a drug to stay in the body. Too much drug increases the risk of side effects;
too little means the drug may not work as well.
If you enjoy grapefruit or grapefruit juice and take such medications, there’s no need to panic, Karen Collins, a registered dietitian, said. But talk with your pharmacist or health care provider to clarify what’s safe. They might be able to switch your prescription to something unaffected by grapefruit, or even advise you to simply watch the timing of when you eat it.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-01-grapefruit-power.html
Hope this helps!
Teri Granahan
Resources:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-01-grapefruit-power.html
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/grapefruit-nutrition-facts
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-grapefruit
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255923 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#how_much_is_too_much_vitamin_C
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits
The Picky Eater Club 