Vitamin C also helps wounds to heal and ensures healthy teeth and gums. It is pivotal in the formation of connective tissue, bone marrow, cartilage, skin and tendons. High quantities of vitamin C were always though to be associated with citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, but you can actually get even more vitamin C from other fruits and vegetables like strawberries, green pepper, papaya, guava, cabbage, cauliflower, rose hips and broccoli.

It is easy to become vitamin C deficient as this is a water soluble vitamin which needs constant replacing. You are more likely to suffer if you smoke, take a lot of aspirin, are exposed to pollution, drink any form of caffeine, are under any sort of stress, or recovering from an illness. You will notice that you are tired, you bruise easily, are susceptible to colds and flu, and that you might have nosebleeds or bleeding gums, if you lack vitamin C.

Be careful not to take too much vitamin C, as you can develop diarrhea, and it can cause kidney problems. Those who suffer from kidney stones should not have extra vitamin C. Some new researches have shown that taking enough vitamin C in the diet or via supplements will reduce the risk of developing cataracts later on in life, and may also lower the risk of you having a stroke.