Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, has many functions in your body, and has great health benefits. It is soluble in water and found in many fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwis, peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach.
A powerful antioxidant Vitamin-C increases your body’s natural defenses. Molecules that stimulate the immune system are called antioxidants. They do this by defending cells against harmful molecules called free radicals.
High blood pressure makes you predisposed to heart problems, the leading cause of death worldwide. Studies have revealed that vitamin C can help lower blood pressure in people with or without high blood pressure. Vitamin C supplements decrease the risk of heart disease. These supplements may reduce heart disease risk factors, including “bad” cholesterol and blood cholesterol.
Foods and supplements rich in vitamin C can help reduce uric acid levels in the blood and reduce the risk of gout. Symptoms of gout appear when there is too much uric acid in the blood. At high levels, it can crystallize and get deposited in the joints. Interestingly, many investigations have shown that vitamin C can protect against gout attacks by removing uric acid from the blood.
Vitamin C supplements can help improve dietary iron absorption. Vitamin C helps transform poorly absorbed iron, such as plant-based iron sources, into an easily digestible form. As a result, vitamin C can help reduce the risk of anemia among people exposed to iron deficiency.
One of the principal motives why people take vitamin C supplements is to increase their immunity. Vitamin C plays a fundamental role in the immune system. First, vitamin C helps increase the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and pharynx, which help protect the body from infections. Second white blood cells use Vitamin-C to work more effectively while protecting them from damage caused by harmful molecules, such as free radicals. Third, vitamin C plays an essential part in the skin protection system.
Studies indicate that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves (collectively known as the central nervous system) may increase the risk of dementia. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C deficiency leads to a limited ability to think and remember. It has been shown that high consumption of vitamin C from food or supplements has a protecting effect on reasoning and memory with age.
Collagen and elastin are natural protein fibers that help maintain healthy, firm skin. Therefore, by helping to boost collagen production, topical vitamin C can help prevent premature skin aging. It has a property that inhibits the production of melanin in your skin, causing changes in skin color such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
People who receive little or no vitamin C (less than 10 mg per day) for several weeks can get scurvy. Scurvy causes fatigue, gingivitis, small red or purple spots on the skin, joint pain, poor wound healing, and dry hair. Additional signs of scurvy include depression, swelling, gum bleeding, and tooth loss or loss. People with scurvy can develop anemia.