Vitamin C is probably the most popular vitamin. For me it was one of the first vitamins that stuck in my head while growing up. When you think vitamin C, your mind would most likely think of an orange. You would also probably think of it as a remedy for a flu, or to heal sores in your gum. Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Research shows that humans cannot produce vitamin C, thus, it must be consumed from food or nutrients. Sources of vitamin C include: oranges, lemons, currants, strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwifruit, sweet peppers and watermelon. Vegetables, like cabbage, lettuce, greens, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, Brussels sprouts and peas, are also a good source of vitamin C. Benefits of Vitamin C include:
It supports the body’s immune system, by fighting against bacteria, infections and viruses. In addition it also act as antihistamine which reduces the effects of common cold, including blocked nose, aches and inflammation.
Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen. Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue, which plays a vital role in wound healing. Vitamin C also promotes the normal development of bones and teeth.
Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant which helps to protect our bodies from free radicals which cause oxidative stress and has been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body, including vitamin E.
Insufficient vitamin C intake causes scurvy which is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet and is characterized by general weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin hemorrhages.
Lack of vitamin C could lead to cataracts which is the clouding of the lens of the eye that can lead to blindness in older adults. Vitamin C helps fight cataracts and increases the amount of blood flow to the eye.
Vitamin C helps in lowering blood pressure and this reduces the chances of getting hypertension as well as other serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin C assists the body to absorb iron which is essential for the synthesis of red blood cells. It also aids in the transportation of iron to all parts of the body.
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