College Green Magazine – Eco-news From The Ground Up

By CG Lifestyles & People Editor Neal Patten

As the days grow cooler and the nights turn freezing, runny noses and scratchy throats will return full force.  If you want to stay healthy this semester, you must focus on maintaining a sound body and mind.  Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition and exercise will keep you feeling in your element.  One of your greatest health allies is Vitamin C. 

I just took a stroll through CVS and saw a box of good ol’ ascorbic acid such as the brand Emergen-C can cost anywhere from $7 to $10!

While such brands do work wonders, you are not only paying way more than necessary but you are also consuming a ‘dead’ product.  Most off-the-shelf powders contain inactive enzymes.  For half the cost you can make your own Vitamin C mixture, complete with live enzymes that ensure 100% assimilation of the vitamin into your body.

Here’s what you will need:

- Knife

- Cheesecloth or paper towel

- A selection of organic citrus fruits (lemons, tangerines, limes, oranges, grapefruit) – it is important to buy organic since you will be consuming fruit peels and cannot be sure what chemicals may have come into contact with the skin

- Coffee grinder or other powder-making device

What to do:

1. Wash and then peel your fruits

2. Cut the peels up into small, thin squares

3. Place the fruit peels on the cloth on a window ledge in full sunlight

4. Allow for the peels to fully shrivel and dry over a few days

5. Using a coffee grinder or similar device, powderize your fruit skins

6. Store powder in an airtight, covered container or jar

Boosting immunity has never been easier! Photo by Neal Patten.

Just one teaspoon will provide you with more Vitamin C than your body requires in a day, no matter your age or size.

You could add the dry peels to your favorite tea, providing you with plenty of Vitamin C, but be warned that the heat will kill the enzymes.  Alternatively, mix the powder in with fruit smoothies or organic juices – it adds a great citrus flavor while packing a tremendous health boost.

Your dried citrus fruit peels are a natural source of Rutin (strengthens blood vessels), Hesperidin (also strengthens blood vessels), Bioflavonoids (anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties) as well as monoterpenes (wound healing).

While it may be easier to buy a Vitamin C mixture from the pharmacy, keep in mind many of these powders derive their vitamins from corn and/or genetically modified fruits and vegetables. 

Go fresh and natural to get healthy!