VITAMIN C
It boosts immunity; may help prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke; promotes healthy gums and teeth; prevents cataracts; hastens wound healing; counteracts asthma; and may help overcome infertility in men. Keeping your body well supplied with vitamin C may also slow the aging process. Broccoli, cantaloupe, green peppers and grapefruit juice are good dietary sources, but supplements won’t harm you, as this vitamin’s not toxic in high doses. Researcher Earl Dawson, Ph.D., of the University of Texas Medical Branch, says 200 to 300 milligrams a day should be adequate. Many researchers thing you’ll shortchange yourself on vitamin C with the RDA of 60 milligrams (the amount in ½ cup of fresh orange juice), particularly when it comes to warding off the common cold, the most well known of C’s benefits.
If you smoke, you probably need extra vitamin C. Smokers have lower levels of the vitamin in their blood. No one knows why, but the implication is that their bodies need more C and thus are using more.
