Guest blogger, Olivia, reviews Lifestream’s Vitamin C…
When it comes to fruit, I would probably put myself in the “eats too much” category than “eats too little”. Consequently, I generally assume I’m getting enough Vitamin C and pay scant attention to Vitamin C-related products. So it was quite a revelation to be asked to trial Lifestream’s Natural Vitamin C, “an innovative new concept in vitamin C supplementation [which] is made from certified organic acerola berries that are rich in natural vitamin C. This powerful little berry is the natural alternative to synthetic ascorbic acid (which is present in typical vitamin C supplements).” More on acerola berries later…
Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues around the body, acts as an antioxidant to ward off some of the damage caused by free radicals, helps us to fight infections, and increases the absorption of iron from our foods. As the body neither makes, nor is able to store Vitamin C, it’s imperative that we get enough of it.
If you are struggling to get enough through your diet but don’t want to supplement with something artificially produced, Lifestream’s Vitamin C powder or capsules could be for you.
I tried the powder form. Although the instructions suggest that you can dissolve it in water, I wouldn’t recommend that if you’re after a palatable experience. After that rookie error, I took to adding about ½ a teaspoon into a mid-afternoon fruit and yoghurt smoothie, together with some spirulina (to boost my iron uptake). Too early to gauge the efficacy of this combo, but I don’t doubt it’ll be doing something good (she says, with not a shred of medical knowledge).
So what does Lifestream say about its product?
* Certified organic, 100% natural vitamin C
* Each capsule is standardised to contain 85mg of all-natural Vitamin C per capsule
* Acerola berries are grown in organic orchards in Brazil
* Careful handling and processing ensures the nutritional integrity of the berries
* Suitable for the whole family
* No genetically modified materials
* No synthetic Chinese ascorbic acid or artificial additives
* Vegetarian/vegan
Now I hadn’t even heard of acerola berries before I tried this supplement. So naturally I turned to my old friend, Google, to learn some more. Here’s a couple of interesting things I discovered:
* Acerola berries provide more vitamin C than all other food sources, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and acerola juice is such a rich source that MedlinePlus warns against drinking the juice if you also take vitamin C supplements – so it must pack a serious Vitamin C punch! According to one website I read, eating just 2-3 berries a day would cover your Vitamin C needs. Sheesh.
* As fresh fruit they are so highly perishable (deteriorating within hours of being harvested) that chances are you’ll only find them as supplements or in juices. Who knew!
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