VITAMIN C AND ITS BENEFITS FOR EXERCISE
Vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid) is water-soluble. It can’t be stored within the body and is therefore essential that it be replaced regularly through diet. It’s a very important vitamin for an athlete and has a number of exercise-related functions.
It is necessary for the maintenance of connective tissues – tendons, ligaments and cartilage
Vitally for an athlete it is also required for the formation of various hormones produced during exercise, such as adrenaline
It is involved in the formation of red blood cells, which in turn enhances iron absorption, increasing oxygen delivery
As a powerful antioxidant it can protect the body against exercise related cell damage
It aids wound healing and the immune system
It protects the fat-soluble vitamins A and E
The main sources for vitamin C are fresh fruit, especially citrus fruits, green vegetables and potatoes, berries and currants, tomatoes and sweet peppers. It’s important to note that vitamin C content can be readily destroyed by both cooking and processing. Destruction is also accelerated by light, heat, air and alkaline substances.