The Gift of Fruit

Citrus fruit is the small, inexpensive, practical, healthy and colorful Christmas or Hanukkah gift is that is high in vitamin C.

Vitamin C is important mainly because it helps produce collagen. Collagen is present in connective tissue, which gives the body form and support the organs. Connective tissue, collagen and vitamin C go hand-in-hand and are vital for human survival. Vitamin C also prevents the disease scurvy.

While most animals produce their own vitamin C, humans, apes and guinea pigs have lost this ability over time. That’s why eating foods high in vitamin C or taking vitamin supplements are essential for good health. The citrus fruit found in most holiday fruit baskets – oranges, grapefruit and limes – are some of the best sources for vitamin C, although many other fruits and vegetables also contain adequate amounts. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is 60 to 90 milligrams a day; the average American ingests 72 milligrams a day. As for the common cold, vitamin C cannot prevent colds, but if taken early, it may help reduce the severity of symptoms.

It is unclear how the tradition of giving fruit during the holidays began, but this tradition clearly boasts health benefits in addition to hospitality.

Resources:

What is vitamin C anyway, and why is it important?

Cherries are another holiday sweet treat that is also healthy.

Other fruits provide vitamin C as well. The Natural Food Hub lists many of these, as well as how much vitamin C they contain.

December 13, 2003