VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, for the human body cannot produce it. Vitamin C is involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and is important for the immune system. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. The body requires vitamin C to make collagen; to absorb iron from plant-based foods; and to support the immune system. 

According to Healthline, the benefits of Vitamin C are:

“Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen human body’s natural defences. Antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system. They do so by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. When free radicals accumulate, they can promote a state known as oxidative stress, which has been linked to many chronic diseases. Studies show that consuming more vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This helps the body’s natural defences fight inflammation.

Lower Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that vitamin C may help lower blood pressure in both those with and without high blood pressure. According to one study, in adults with high blood pressure, vitamin C supplements reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.7 mmHg, on average.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Vitamin C may help reduce these risk factors, which may reduce heart disease risk.

For example, an analysis of 9 studies with a combined 293,172 participants found that after 10 years, people who took at least 700 mg of vitamin C daily had a 25% lower risk of heart disease than those who did not take a vitamin C supplement.

Reduced Blood Uric Acid levels and help prevent Gout Attacks

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects approximately 4% of American adults. Several studies have shown that vitamin C may help reduce uric acid in the blood and, as a result, protect against gout attacks.

Prevents Iron Deficiency

Vitamin C supplements can help improve the absorption of iron from the diet. According to one study, Vitamin C assists in converting iron that is poorly absorbed, such as plant-based sources of iron, into a form that is easier to absorb.

Better Immunity

Vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system. According to several studies, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection. Vitamin C also helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals. Vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defence system. It is actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin’s barriers.

Protects Memory and Thinking

Research suggests that high vitamin C intake from food or supplements has been shown to have a protective effect on thinking and memory as you age."

Sources

1. Healthline. 7 Impressive Ways Vitamin C Benefits Your Body. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits.
    

2. PubMed.gov. Iron bioavailability and dietary reference values. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20200263/.
    

3. PubMed.gov. Antioxidant vitamins and coronary heart disease risk. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15585762/.
    

4. Wikipedia. Vitamin C.  Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_C.

Disclaimer

* Healthline content has been edited for brevity. For the full description, including sources, please visit: 7 Impressive Ways Vitamin C Benefits Your Body on Healthline.com. 

All information on this webpage and website has been sourced and reported “as is” based on public sources. None of the statements on this web site have been evaluated by the FDA. Please read our Disclaimer for further information on the potential health benefits mentioned here.