Vitamins and minerals are the glue that keeps the body healthy. Each vitamin does something different. It has a special use for keeping the body in its best in vigor and vitality. All the vitamins have their place. Vitamin C is the one nutrient that has a special knack for defending against everything from colds to cancer.
Naturally, there is no one single vitamin that can cure or prevent every medical disease. But if one should go to the top of the list, vitamin C would be it. Known for its' ability to play a role in every bodily function, in like manner, a deficiency could do a lot of bodily damage. Therefore, good cooks strive to include it at every meal.
Recognized for it's versatility, it is often called an oil for the machinery of life." As important as this is, the body cannot manufacture it or store it. Therefor, eating a daily supply is crucial for good health. Good cooks know that keeping your body saturated with vitamin C is good insurance against disease.
A diet rich in fresh fruits and green vegetables is a tasty way to safeguard against illness. When most people think of vitamin C, the food group that comes to mind is citrus. While it is true that oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are a rich source of this nutrient, a weekly menu of the only citrus can become pretty boring.
A little research will enlighten the mind and broaden menu expectations for the family cook. For example, it is common knowledge that tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli are full of vitamin C. But there are other less known food groups that include this vital nutrient and expand menu possibilities for the family. Other foods that have vitamin C in varying degrees include potatoes, cantaloupe, turnip greens, blackberries, and cherries.
Knowledge of which foods are rich in what nutrients is a requirement for those cooking in hospitals and nursing homes. However, an understanding of nutritional basics is just as important for the nonprofessional cook who wants to keep their family healthy. Knowing how to combine the family favorites to include the nutritional giants, will insure optimum health.