When thinking about how to protect their health, many people look for vitamins and nutrients to help their body function. But if you are looking for something that has many benefits to boost everything from skin to the immune system, one vitamin in particular stands out. The health benefits of vitamin C are vast.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is best known for its role in preventing and relieving colds, controlling infections, and healing wounds. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is not stored well in the body, so it is a nutrient that we must consume (or supplement) on a fairly daily basis.
Although rare, vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, which causes anemia, bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and bruising. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women.
Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Increase immunity
Vitamin C is known for its benefits on the immune system. It plays a key role in immune function and wound healing [și] can help your body absorb more non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods.
Collagen production
Vitamin C is essential for the body to produce collagen. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, a fibrous protein in connective tissue that helps build and maintain skin, joints and bones.
Collagen also keeps the skin firm and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and protects the skin from sun damage and age spots. So a vitamin C serum can have benefits in your skincare routine too! In addition to collagen, the body also needs vitamin C to create blood vessels and muscles. Plus, vitamin C face serums are known to reduce dark spots and brighten the skin!
Antioxidant properties
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect the body from many diseases and the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are caused by pollution, smoke, and toxic chemicals that can build up in the body and cause health problems like cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
And thanks to its antioxidant activity, vitamin C can play a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.
Are there any downsides to consuming too much vitamin C?
It turns out that something too good could have unpleasant consequences, so be careful and check your vitamin C intake. Consuming too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.
What are foods rich in vitamin C?
While citrus fruits are best known for their vitamin C content, vitamin C can be found in many other foods, and many foods contain more vitamin C than oranges. Kiwis, strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli are all excellent sources.
Vitamin C supplements are also widely available, but consuming vitamin C through food can have greater antioxidant effects and promote a complete, nutritious diet.
