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I have grown up believing that Vitamin C is the best remedy for the common cold and flu. While it is not entirely wrong, it wasn’t until I became a parent myself that I started to research more into nutrition and vitamins that could help my little ones avoid catching, or recover faster from the common cold or flu.

It was then that I realised that hey it’s a mineral called Zinc, when taken together with Vitamin C, is far more effective in reducing the severity and the duration of the common cold. What exactly are the benefits of Vitamin C with Zinc? Lets talked about them individually.

Vitamin C

Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is considered as a safe and effective nutrient commonly associated as a cure for the common cold, which many experts have since dispelled this claim. In actual fact, Vitamin C’s benefits are far more than what we probably know. Vitamin C are known to protect against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling because it helps our body to make collagen (isn’t this better than Botox?).

A higher blood level of Vitamin C can also elevate your mood. Vitamin C is said to support the metabolism of fat and cholesterol. According to a 2008 analysis published in the “Journal of Chiropractic Medicine,” a daily supplement of 500mg of Vitamin C was able to lower both triglycerides and bad cholesterol, or LDL. The true benefits of Vitamin C lies in its ability to protect our health, from cardiovascular, cancer, stroke, eye health and immunity.

Zinc


Zinc is needed for the proper growth and functioning of the human body. It is found in several systems and biological reactions, and it is needed for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more. Zinc is an essential mineral that is critical for the functioning of many enzymes in our body. For example, our body requires zinc to convert Vitamin A to retinol, a light-absorbing protein in our eyes in order for us to see in the dark. Zinc was found to have reduced the progression of age-related eye diseases.

Vitamin C and Zinc


Immunity Booster. Vitamin C and Zinc can provide your body with an immunity boost. Vitamin C stimulates your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help your body fight infections. Meanwhile, Zinc is important to many enzymes within our immune system. It also assists white blood cells with infection-fighting.

Reducing Common Cold Symptoms. In a 2011 study published in “Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews”, it was noted that taking zinc supplements 24 hours after the onset of common cold symptoms can reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. In addition, Vitamin C and Zinc may help prevent more serious diseases and ailments, such as cancer, gout and pneumonia.

Antioxidants. Vitamin C and Zinc are dietary antioxidants that protect your body from damages caused by tobacco smoke, pollution and radiation. Vitamin C is a very effective antioxidant, which can also help regenerate vitamin E, another important antioxidant. Zinc combines with copper to create a major antioxidant enzyme in your body called copper-zinc super oxide dismutase.

Food with Vitamin C and Zinc


Citrus, berries and nuts for your dose of Vitamin C and Zinc.

Here are some food which are high Vitamin C:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Strawberries
  • Red peppers
  • Broccoli


Food high in Zinc includes:

  • Shellfish
  • Meats
  • Milk products
  • Nuts


So remember now, next time when you or your little ones catches a cold, don’t just aim for Vitamin C. Boost  your immune system with some additional Zinc as well to enjoy a speedy recovery!

Did you know of any vitamin and minerals that aids the recovery of the common cold/flu?

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