Vitamin C: More Than An Immunity Booster

More research have been done about the immune-boosting effects of vitamin C than perhaps any other nutrient and we all know well that vitamin C tops the list of immune boosters. BUT vitamin C is MORE THAN JUST BOOSTING IMMUNITY!

Let’s check out the miraculous works that vitamin C does!

Vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant in humans. Antioxidants are very highly related to the human diseases as the oxidation processes which happen in our body damage our tissues, so-called oxidative stress. There are high morbidity and mortality due to diseases thought to be caused or exacerbated by oxidant damage. The oxidant damage might cause or exacerbate common human diseases such as: atherosclerosis, type II diabetes mellitus, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and pancreatitis. Hence, vitamin C as an antioxidant protects our cells and tissues from the damage which cause by the free radicals.

Results of scientific studies have shown that vitamin C is helpful for preventing heart attack or stroke or mixed. One study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that those with the highest concentrations of vitamin C in their blood were associated with 42% lower stroke risk than those with the lowest concentrations. Vitamin C does not lower the cholesterol levels, but evidence suggests that vitamin C help to protect arteries against damage. It appears to have beneficial effects on the vascular endothelial functions.

Vitamin C has been shown to lower blood pressure too. Population based studies (which involve observing large groups of people over time) suggests that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, have lower risk of high blood pressure than people who have poorer diets. Vitamin C ensures proper dilation of blood vessels. Therefore, this lessens the probability of hypertension, as well as prevents atherosclerosis, angina pectoris (chest pain) and cardiovascular diseases.

Besides that, vitamin C is essential for the body to make collagen and the maintenance of collagen. Collagen is a connective tissue in our bodies that binds tissues and organ together like glue. Collagen provides structure to skin, blood vessels, muscles arteries, tendons, ligaments and bones. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-aging appearance. It improves skin’s texture, reduces blemishes. It also helps vitamin E support the elastin fibres of the skin.

Having sufficient ascorbic acid in our diet reduces hair loss, prevents nails from becoming dry and brittle, and keeps eyes bright and healthy. Moreover, vitamin C aids in the healing of burns and wounds and prevents scarring. Vitamin C is effective in preventing and repairing ultraviolet damage to the skin. Eating foods rich in the nutrient has actually been shown to help prevent or lessen the extent of sunburn! Another study reported that vitamin C reduces the risk of bone fractures and also joint pain.

Vitamin C helps to keep your gums healthy. Gum disease is one sign of scurvy, a condition of vitamin C deficiency. Adults who consume less vitamin C in their diets are more likely to develop gum disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when the tissues of the gums are affected by inflammation and infection. The benefits of vitamin C for gum health are thought to be connected to its antioxidant properties and its ability to help build connective tissue in the body. Vitamin C can strengthen the bones and blood vessels, so to anchor the teeth into our gums.

Moreover, vitamin C is needed to regulate stress. Vitamin C is required to manufacture of several important mood-enhancing neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Because of this role, one of the first signs of vitamin C deficiency in irritability (get angry fast). A recent study in Montreal found that almost two out of every three patients in an acute medical ward had low or deficient levels of vitamin C. Taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily led to significant reductions in anger, anxiety, and depression.

Vitamin C helps in lessening or even preventing asthma attacks. Vitamin C has antihistamine activity which helps fight allergies. Bronchial allergies are termed ‘asthma’. Asthma attacks often occur when the lungs are under stress from allergens. These allergens often produce oxidants that weaken the smooth muscle wall of the bronchi. Vitamin C is the primary antioxidant in the lungs. This may help to squelch the oxidants, prevent them from weakening the lungs and avoid an attack.

Vitamin C can also dramatically lower blood lead level which is usually high in smokers. “High dosages of Vitamin C are associated with reduced blood levels of lead in both young children and adults”, the researchers reported. Dr. Joel A. Simon and Dr. Esther Hudes, both at the University of California at San Francisco, have revealed their findings in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). This is important for the children living in urban areas. As studies have shown that lead toxicity can lead to behavioral and developmental problems, such as learning disabilities and lowered IQ. Adults, moreover, may suffer from kidney damage and high blood pressure.

Vitamin C not only known to help in relieving the common cold, but it serves as an important antioxidant to prevent or reduce the risk of us getting the chronic diseases. It is also necessary for collagen, the main structural protein found in connective tissue. A healthy dose of vitamin C will protect our body from infection and maintain healthy bones and teeth, as well as quicken the body’s ability to repair wounds. Take fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamin C, but do not overdose it. The recommendation intake of vitamin C is 75mg – 90mg.

Look healthy with vitamin C, look young with vitamin C!