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Vitamin C and Fat Burning

Posted Nov 07 2008 2:20pm

People with low levels of vitamin C in their blood burn 25% less fat than those who do not have low concentrations.

Here is a link to the study's abstract:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16945143?dopt=Abstract

Co what?

This is because Vitamin C is a co-factor (something like a chemical "helper") for your body's production of carnitine. Carnitine is needed for the oxidation of fatty acids -- in other words, to burn fat.

Take home message

G et lots of vitamin C in order to burn optimal amounts of fat.

How much vitamin C is enough?

This varies widely from individual to individual depending on your stress level, the types of foods you eat and you overall state of health.

Make sure you are eating whole, fresh fruit each day.

It just breaks down

Vitamin C is unstable in response to light, heat and oxygen. By the time you get that orange juice off the grocery store shelf the vitamin C is long gone. Eat the fresh fruit instead.

If you are trying to lose weight juice is the last thing you need anyways -- with zero fiber, juice is metabolized by your body the same way as sugar water.

Fresh is always key

Fresh fruit is key and the more local the better. The vitamin C content begins to decline once the fruit has been picked.

Here is a list:

FoodQuantity
Vitamin C (mg)
Cantaloupes1/2 medium
194.7
Honeydew melon1/2 medium
160
Peppers, Red
raw 1 pod
142.5
Strawberries
frozen or fresh 1 cup
84.5
Kiwifruit
1 medium
74.5
Mandarin orange sections
1 cup
50.3
Mangoes
1 medium
57.3
 

Supplementation with vitamin C is also not a bad idea, but make sure you get one that also contains bioflavonoids.  Taking vitamin C alone will eventually deplete your body stores of vitamin C and this can cause weaker blood vessels.

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