Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a nutrient that enables your body to develop blood vessels, collagen, muscle, and cartilage in bones. It’s also essential for the body’s healing process. You can acquire vitamin c from citrus fruits, potatoes, berries, brussels sprouts, spinach, and peppers.
While you can get sufficient vitamin c from a healthy diet, some people experience deficiencies because of smoke, gastrointestinal conditions, or failure to include fruits and vegetables in their diets. A vitamin C deficiency may result in scurvy disease, which may cause bleeding gums, anemia, poor wound healing, and bruising. Below, we discuss six of the best health benefits of vitamin C.
1. Immune system support
Vitamin C encourages the phagocytes and lymphocytes white blood cells production to protect your body against infections. It also contributes to the growth and repair of body tissues. Vitamin C helps the white blood cells function optimally while keeping them safe from damage by free radicals, delaying or preventing heart disease and specific cancers, and promoting healthy aging.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C are crucial for your skin’s defense mechanisms. It promotes wound healing and reduces cartilage loss risk in people with osteoarthritis. Whenever you can’t get enough vitamin C from your meals, compensate with dietary supplements such as lypo-spheric vitamin c for similar health benefits.
2. Production of Collagen
Collagen, the most abundant body protein that’s essential in connective tissue in your organs and even the skin, nails, and hair, rely on sufficient vitamin C levels for its synthesis. According to a study, applying vitamin C topically onto your skin increases collagen production and leaves the skin looking younger. High collagen production also means your wounds will heal faster.
3. Reduces high blood pressure
High blood pressure increases stroke and heart disease risks. However, taking higher doses of vitamin C, preferably 500 milligrams a day, reduces high blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels and boosts blood circulation, lowering blood pressure. A diet including fruits and vegetables like oranges, red pepper, kiwi, and grapefruits is a good source of the antioxidants found in vitamin C. Supplements are also an excellent option to help you attain your daily vitamin C dosage.
4. Protects against chronic diseases
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens your body’s natural defense mechanisms, keeping diseases at bay. Vitamin C’s antioxidant property activates the immune response by protecting your cells from oxidative stress, which results from excess free radicals’ buildup in the system. Oxidative stress in the body increases chronic disease risks. A diet rich in vitamin C or vitamin C supplements increases blood antioxidant levels, lowering the risk of hypertension, cancer, and heart disease.
5. Reduces heart disease risks
High blood pressure and uncontrolled lipid levels are some of the underlying factors that increase heart disease risks. Consistent intake of sufficient vitamin C controls blood pressure, reduces LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, lowering cardiovascular disease risks.
6. Prevents iron deficiency
Iron is a crucial mineral for generating new red blood cells and distributing nutrients and oxygen to all body cells. Vitamin C makes plant-based iron easily absorbable into the body. Sufficient vitamin C intake ensures enough iron in the body, reducing the risk of anemia.
Endnote
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that controls blood pressure, enhances iron absorption, stimulates antioxidant levels, and promotes healthy skin. However, excessive vitamin C intake may have side effects. Consult your physician to determine the amount sufficient for your body.
