For many years, people have used vitamin C supplements as a remedy for the common cold. Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in the body; it also contains antioxidants that help block free radical damage. (1)
Unlike vitamin D, which can be manufactured in the body from the sun, vitamin C must come from an outside source and cannot be stored in the body. (1) Thus, the only way to get enough vitamin C is through food sources and supplements, however, did you know that almost all of the vitamin C supplements on the market come from genetically engineered corn? (2)
You may be wondering how you can get enough vitamin C if you want to avoid store bought supplements. The simple answer is to make your own at no extra cost!
Importance of naringin and hesperidin flavonoids found in citrus peels
Homemade vitamin C has live enzymes, allowing for 100% assimilation in your body. You needn’t bother with a dosage label or approval by the FDA. Your solution is citrus peels! (3)
In citrus, there are different types of flavonoids, a compound that exhibits antioxidant properties in the human body. Naringin, a powerful antioxidant, is a flavonoid found in the peels of grapefruit, mandarin, and lemons. Several studies have indicated that naringin is so powerful that it may reduce radiation-induced damage to cells. (4,5,6,7)
Hesperidin is another flavonoid found in the white inner layer of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Studies have shown that hesperidin reduces the proliferation of cancer cells, induces programmed cell deaths (8), and plays an important role in helping those with hypoglycemia. (9)
Pharmaceutical companies and health food stores do not want you to know this!
It’s always best to purchase organic citrus fruits. After you eat the fruit, follow these four easy steps to make your own dried citrus powder:
- Save all your citrus peels and spread them onto dehydrator trays.
- Allow the peels to dehydrate at 100 degrees F for about 24 hours, or until dry and crispy.
- Grind the peels in a blender of your choice until they are as fine or coarse as you want.
- Store in an airtight container and leave in a cool location. (10)
When comparing gram for gram, there are higher levels of vitamin and minerals found in citrus peels than the fruit itself. For example, there is double amount of vitamin C and triple amount of fiber in just 1 tablespoon of lemon peel compared to 1 wedge of lemon. (4)
After you’ve stored some dried citrus powder, try taking it by the spoonful on a daily basis or simply add into smoothies, soups, salads, juices, or raw desserts. Now that you know how to make Vitamin C, you can use this immune boosting remedy any time of year!
Sources for t Add Mediahis article include
(1) www.nlm.nih.gov
(2) naturalsociety.com
(3) www.motherearthliving.com
(4) www.rebootwithjoe.com
(5) carcin.oxfordjournals.org
(6) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(7) www.plantphysiol.org
(8) www.motherearthliving.com
(9) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(10) gnowfglins.com
SF Source The Raw Food News April 2015