9 Amazing Health Benefits Of Taking Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient 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 immune system function. Vitamin C has a definitive role in treating scurvy, which is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Beyond that, a role for vitamin C as prevention or treatment for various diseases is disputed, with reviews reporting conflicting results. A 2012 Cochrane review reported no effect of vitamin C supplementation on overall mortality.

Vitamin C dietary supplements are available as tablets, capsules, drink mix packets, in multi-vitamin/mineral formulations, in antioxidant formulations, and as crystalline powder. Vitamin C is also added to some fruit juices and juice drinks. Tablet and capsule content ranges from 25 mg to 1500 mg per serving.

The most commonly used supplement compounds are ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate. Vitamin C molecules can also be bound to the fatty acid palmitate, creating ascorbyl palmitate, or else incorporated into liposomes.

Symptoms of a deficiency of Vitamin C includes fatigue, mood changes, weight loss, joint and muscle aches, bruising, dental conditions and dry hair and skin.

Over time, a lack of vitamin C in the body means that new collagen cannot be formed. This also causes various tissues in an individual's body to break down and it also affects the repair of cells. Severe deficiency of Vitamin C can lead to a disease called Scurvy.

Doctors and even dieticians advice women to get a daily dose of vitamin C through either natural source such as fruits or by popping a tablet of the vitamin. The reason behind – this vital micro-nutrient is an important component to not only cure but also prevent various health issues.

# Help Tackling High Blood Pressure

Studies have claimed that increase in daily intake of vitamin C has helped people to lower their blood pressure. It is said that vitamin C may act like an diuretic agent, which reduces water retention in the body. This helps the kidneys to remove more amounts of sodium and water from the blood vessels, which help the walls of the blood vessels to relax effectively.

# Reduces Inflammation Of Heart’s Arteries

Collagen is a structural protein in our skin and other connective tissues. Basically, it is the protein made by our body to ‘glue’ all the cells and tissues together in our body. To reduce inflammation in our heart’s arteries, our body has to produce collagen in adequate amount which is possible by a good amount of intake of vitamin C.

# Lowers Risk Of Dementia

Vitamin C is a very good antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to lower the risk of dementia and delay the process of cognitive ageing. Vitamin C dissolves amyloid plaques, which are dementia-causing toxic protein in our brain.

# Help Prevent Iron Deficiency

Doctors always recommend taking iron supplements with supplements of vitamin C because the latter helps our body to absorb iron effectively. Vitamin C also helps to synthesis red blood cells in our blood – another beneficial relation between iron and vitamin C, since iron is one of the major components of our blood.

# Protecting Against Gout Attack

Gout is a disease in which defective metabolism or unhealthy increase in the level of uric acid in our body that leads to arthritis. Increase in the intake of vitamin C reduces the level of uric acid in our body. This indirectly reduces the risk of gout attack.

# Strengthens the Immune System

Vitamin C was found to support the immune system by protecting against oxidative stress, aiding in microbial killing, and decreasing the potential for tissue damage. A deficiency in this vitamin has been shown to increase the rate of infections. It’s unlikely that loading up on vitamin C once you start sniffling will keep you from getting a cold, but it could help you recover more quickly, according to a prior review.

# Stress

Stress is one of the most common conditions; thanks to the rushed world we live in. Vitamin C helps a lot in dealing with typical indicators of physical and emotional stress. It also, decreases the level of stress hormones.

# Fat Metabolism

Stomach fat, or abdominal fat, is fatty tissue around or inside the abdominal cavity. For proper fat metabolism, regular intake of Vitamin C is essential. Vitamin C helps in boosting your metabolism and thus, keeps your weight in check.

# Better Skin

The formation of elastin, a compound which thickens, protects and heals the skin cells, depends on Vitamin C levels in your body. Elastin keeps your skin healthy and glowing. If you wish to have a better skin, load up on vitamin C foods and get a glowing skin like never before.