Skin irritation, fatigue, stomach pain, and a weakened immune system all make the list for familiar symptoms of Celiac Disease (CD).
They are also symptoms of another serious health concern... Vitamin C deficiency.
Check out these outrageous statistics from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:
- 15% of all Americans are Vitamin C deficient!
- 33% of all Americans are not getting the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C!
How is this possible with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available year-round here in the US?
The answer may be simple. Just because all that fresh Vitamin C-rich produce is available doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is eating it!
But everyone should eat their veggies and monitor their Vitamin C intake! Here are a few reasons why:
While this powerful antioxidant is vital for the inner-workings of our bodies, it is not a vitamin humans naturally produce.
{Antioxidant - a substance that can stop cell damage in our bodies}
Vitamin C is also responsible for supporting the production of collagen, a protein found throughout our bodies, from the eyes to tendons to the lining of our intestines. This could be especially important for individuals with CD because collagen may help speed wound healing in the small intestine.
Vitamin C also helps our bodies absorb other nutrients, like iron! Common among Celiacs, Iron Deficiency Anemia is a major health concern. Adding adequate amounts of foods like citrus, strawberries, and tomatoes to the diet could simultaneously boost Vitamin C levels and increase iron absorption!
Melons, potatoes, turnips, and green peppers also have high Vitamin C concentrations... Check out these tasty ways to get more “C” in on your plate!
Getting enough Vitamin C really is among the best and simplest ways to help yourself keep healthy. And, remember, without our health, nothing else matters. So do yourself a favor and make sure you're getting plenty of Vitamin C!
Now to This Week's Helpful Trivia Question!
The Question: Which vitamin C-rich “starch” vegetable provides a mere 1/3 of the calories an equal amount of potatoes would provide?
The Answer: Turnips! The root is highly concentrated with Vitamin C. The edible greens that grow above the ground also contain Vitamin C.... as well as calcium, and other nutrients!
Wondering what to make with turnips? Why don't you give my Glazed Turnips with Scallions & Parsley a try for a super-healthy affordable side dish!
The Answer: Turnips! The root is highly concentrated with Vitamin C. The edible greens that grow above the ground also contain Vitamin C.... as well as calcium, and other nutrients!
Wondering what to make with turnips? Why don't you give my Glazed Turnips with Scallions & Parsley a try for a super-healthy affordable side dish!
Up next on GlutenFreeGigi.com!
I’ll see you on Tuesday for our final Pepper Party meal of July! Then it's off to August (can you believe it?!) where I can’t wait to share what I have in mind for you!
Thanks for stopping by... Let’s enjoy the rest of this great gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, and sometimes vegan (and even raw foods!) week!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Thanks for stopping by... Let’s enjoy the rest of this great gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, and sometimes vegan (and even raw foods!) week!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Don’t take my word for it, check my sources!
- Center for Disease Control & Prevention
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals
- The American Journal of Surgery Volume 150, Issue 3, September 1985, Pages 315-317 (no link available)
- The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals
- The American Journal of Surgery Volume 150, Issue 3, September 1985, Pages 315-317 (no link available)
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