A regular vitamin, a supplement available since ages has been now crowned as a ‘superfood’. But what makes it so special this time?
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A hero ingredient that is always on the news for its remedial effect has also been crowned as a superfood intake in these uncertain times. Dr.Siddhant Bhargava, Fitness and Nutritional Scientist and Co-Founder of Food Darzee tells, “In these times, the Vitamin C is all the more useful because of its ability to boost the activity of phagocytes, immune cells that can gulp the damaging microbes and other particles. Speaking about its efficiency against viruses that cause the common cold, vitamin C does not appear to make you any less probable to get a cold, but it may definitely help you get over a cold much faster and make the indications less severe.” From being an extra supplement to your skin to fulfilling your tastebuds and guts, none is new to the rich aroma, the splendid savoury taste or artsy images of Vitamin-C rich foods. Its benefits range from being the king of immune boosters at a time like this to giving you the perfect Pinterest or Instagrammable photos.
How much is too much?
Chef Ishijyot Surri, Executive Chef, SJI Hospitality and Foods Private Limited says, “While the natural source gets absorbed easily by the body as it is soluble in water, an overdose of vitamin C can cause problems. Additionally, there is only a certain limit of vitamin C that the body can process and unnecessarily adding to the value to prevent disease is a very ineffective way.” The talks of any ingredient that is on the hype immediately set one to go on a bizarre eating habit and vitamin C is no different here. So, how much is not too much in one’s diet? Dr.Bhargava advises, “For most people, the intake of an orange, bell peppers, broccoli, or cup of grapes itself provides a sufficient amount of vitamin C for the day. Since our bodies do not generate or store vitamin C, it is vital to squeeze vitamin C in your diet. Although too much dietary, it is improbable to be injurious, mega doses of its supplements have a capacity to cause health glitches and side-effects.” Supplements play a major role in today’s fast life. Who doesn’t like shortcuts and faster results? Being a regular intaker of supplements may give you the feeling of leading a ‘healthier’ lifestyle. But, its no “insurance policy” against poor eating habits. Dr Bhargava is of the same view, “I would always stress on naturally consuming edibles that are a rich source of Vitamin C. Foods like guava, parsley, kale, spinach, broccoli, kiwis, Brussels sprouts, lychees, lemons, oranges and papayas which are high in Vitamin C content. While it is generally recommended to get your vitamin C intake from edibles, many people still tend to turn to supplements to meet their requirements.”
The massive circulation of the great deeds of Vitamin C in a situation like this can make people resolve to intake of excess panic intakes of it. Dr Siddhant guides, “Vitamin C is typically harmless and safe to take even at high dosages. However, people may occasionally experience side effects like problems in sleeping, stomach pain, cramps, discomfort due to diarrhoea, nausea, and headaches. However, people suffering from hemochromatosis are at risk of a vitamin C overindulge.”
The Truths
Being a modest prevention power can also come in with some rumours. After all, who likes the wrong word being out on the streets? With information and news flowing from all sides, myth-busting can be a beneficial solution here. Dr Bhargava throwing some light tells us, “There are many. Some of them are attacking a cold with vitamin C will help in fighting it off, citrus is the most exceptional vitamin C source and it is unable for one to get too much vitamin C.”
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Having been in our homes for more than two months, it’s no surprise that all of us has come out as great cooks and revamping classic dishes. Binge Eating has always been a favourite which has increased in manifold now. So, making this more fun, Chef Ishijyot tells, “People are exasperated with the domestic work, office work and the fact that they are locked in their houses and with uncertainty on when it will end. Thus, there is a spike in binge eating. However, this can be made healthier. Instead of eating fried things, opt for baked food dishes. However, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour will lead to making something healthy and binging something healthier. While uncooked foods including salads are discouraged in the present environment, one can always binge on sprout salads, or eat healthy like hummus, baked kidney beans etc. While you can go with the simple lemon juice, you could also experiment with adding a tinge of pineapple and orange juice along. Another simple and tasty recipe very prevalent in the South of India is infusing curds with lemon, chilled water, salt, curry leaves, ginger and green chillies to make the lemonade buttermilk”
The Takeaway
Good nutrition is the prime key to a wholesome life. No one is a fan of poor immunity. The desired intake of Vitamin C can positively impact your immunity in many ways than one. If a small amount of something is good, you might think that a larger amount would be even better. But that formula doesn’t always work.
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