Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water soluble nutrient that is easily excreted from the body when not needed. Vitamin C appears in a white crystal form. It’s so critical to living creatures that almost all mammals can use their own cells to make it.  This vitamin is easily destroyed by heat, oxidation, drying, and storage. Alkalinity, even to a slight degree, is distinctly destructive to this vitamin. Acid fruits and vegetables lose much less acid on heating than non-acid foods. This vitamin is lost from some vegetables during the first few minutes of cooking.

The role of vitamin C goes far beyond our skin and gums. Cancers, joint diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cataracts are all associated with vitamin C deficiency and can be partly prevented by optimal intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C achieves much of its protective effect by functioning as an antioxidant and preventing oxygen-based damage to our cells. 

Team Beyondi

Antioxidants?

Everybody’s heard of antioxidants, but how many of us know what they actually do?  These important nutrients occur naturally in our body and in vegetables and fruits.  Common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and certain compounds called carotenoids (like lutein and beta-carotene).   The science behind how antoxidants work is constantly evolving, and nutritionists are discovering more reasons for their importance every day.

As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These free radicals are highly unstable and steal components – fat or protien, for example – from other cells.  As these other cells are damaged, a chain reaction starts, and entire cells soon begin to die. This process is called peroxidation. Peroxidation in moderation is useful because it helps the body purge cells that have outlived their usefulness and kills germs and parasites. However, peroxidation, when left unchecked, can wreak havoc on healthy cells. 

Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular damage by donating components to stabilize free radicals. More importantly, antioxidants cling to cellular surfaces to stabilize cell structure, and act as a “shield” against free radical damage.

When there are not enough antioxidants to hold peroxidation in check, significant cell damage can occur, which, in turn, can lead to health problems. For example, free radical damage to immune cells can lead to an increased risk of infection.

 

Team Beyondi

 

Why it’s important to be a fair trade company.

What is Fair Trade?  Fair Trade Organizations seek to create sustainable and positive change in developing and developed countries.  Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. It’s all about providing fair wages, supporting safe and healthy workplaces.  Its also about ensuring environmental sustainability, along with building long-term relationships and educating consumers. The importance of helping this poor farmers is at an all time high.  It’s our responsibility to help if we are going to use their raw products and create products for the US market. 

Team Beyondi