Vitamin C is one of the most effective nutrients that plays many important roles in the functioning of the human body. Also known as ascorbic acid, this potent antioxidant boosts your immune system, preventing various infections and diseases. Yet, if you’ve been on a weight loss diet and feel like you’re not losing that stubborn belly fat, chances are you’re not getting the right amount of vitamin C found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruit, veggies and whole grains will help you meet your nutrient needs, including vitamin C, thereby boosting your health while simultaneously helping you reach your goal of a flat tummy.
Perhaps, vitamin C’s benefits are extensive than you could actually realise. Some of the most important of vitamin C include – boosting the immunity, improving heart health and lowering the risk of cancer. This vitamin is also highly beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and bones. Vitamin C has received a great deal of attention for its role in body weight regulation. Research has linked low vitamin C intake to weight gain and increased body fat, especially around the belly, in humans.
Research has shown that vitamin C deficiency may disrupt weight loss, although there are many other factors that affect your body weight and health, such as your diet and fitness levels. According to some experts, vitamin accelerates fat molecules to generate energy, which means not getting enough of this nutrient can increase fat reserves and give you a bigger waistline.
A review published in 2005 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggested that a deficient of this vitamin can lead to a higher body mass index (BMI). Surprisingly, research has found a link between low blood levels of vitamin C and increased belly fat, even in normal-weight people. While vitamin C deficiency alone may not be the reason behind excess belly fat, researchers pointed out that getting sufficient amounts of this vitamin could aid weight loss.
This powerful antioxidant is abundant in many fruits and vegetables. Some of the foods rich in vitamin C are:
- Citrus fruits such as orange, lemons, kiwi, grapefruit,
- Red and green peppers
- Tomatoes
- Guava
- Mango
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Sweet and white potatoes
Eating a healthful diet consisting of a variety of fruits and veggies can help you meet your daily vitamin C requirements. However, people who cannot get enough vitamin C may take supplements.
SOURCE:TIMES NOW
