Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

*It is vital to collagen formation, the connective substances in all cells.

*It fights toxic effects of smoke and pollution.

*It helps in healing in production of red blood cells,preventing hemorrhaging in fighting bacterial infections and regulating cholesterol.

*Its need id increased by physical stress.

The following symptoms characterize deficiency in Vitamin C:

* In case of a baby- the baby refuses to move an d cries when lifted in severe deficiency,blood comes out from the ear, mouth and stomach.

* An adult person shows loss of weight and anemic. A woman develops black patches before and after menstruation and feels general weakness.

Santol

The common santol tree grown in the Philippines is about 15 meters high. The fruit is rounded and has a very think pericarp. The fruit which is greenish- yellow when ripe contains seeds. The pulp is slighty acidic but a good flavor.

The ripe fruit is used for flavoring certain dishes. The ripe fruit is rich Vitamin C and substantially high in carbohydrates and iron.

The bark is pounded and prepared as poultice on the skin affected with ring worm. The solution formed by boiling the fresh leave in water make good bath in cases of fever.

Santol grows in any type of soil but a loose, friable and well-drained soil with plenty of organic material is preferable. It is propagated by seeds, building, grafting and marcotting.