Health Benefits of Vitamin C

We all know and frequently hear how necessary and beneficial Vitamins are for our bodies. Vitamins help our eyesight, make our skin glow, and strengthen our bones. However, very few of us know why these vitamins are essential or their specific function in the body. Vitamin C, for example, has a long, historical association with its great fight against scurvy. James Lind, a member of the British Royal Navy, discovered in the 1700s that eating citrus fruits like lemons and oranges helped with this particular health condition. The health benefits of Vitamin C go far beyond this particular case. 

But there are also other benefits of vitamin C. Did you know that it can help with stress? Or that it can help reduce swelling? Learn more about the top health benefits of vitamin C in the following section. 

What Are the Health Benefits of Vitamin C? 

We must constantly consume vitamin C to maintain normal levels because the body cannot retain water-soluble vitamins. In addition, all bodily tissues need vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, to develop, mature, and heal. 

It has a role in various bodily processes, such as producing collagen, absorption of iron, immune system health, wound repair, and preserving cartilage, bones, and teeth. But all these benefits might seem familiar, or you must have read about them somewhere. What you probably don’t know is that the top health benefits of Vitamin C go beyond the body’s immune system and repair system.

1- Stress 

Research has shown that taking ascorbic acid supplements has an antidepressant impact and elevates one’s mood. 

2- Cold 

Large amounts of vitamin C may shorten the duration of a cold. However, they offer no immunity against catching a cold. 

3- Stroke 

Increased dietary intake of several nutrients, such as vitamin C, is linked to a lower chance of stroke. Therefore, it is advised that you should increase your fruit and vegetable consumption to receive this vitamin.

4- Aging Skin 

Collagen, which accounts for about one-third of all proteins in the body, must be maintained. Ascorbic acid is necessary for this. Vitamin C can reduce the appearance of aging in human skin. 

5- Anti-inflammation 

A recent study indicates that a reasonable intake of vitamin C could effectively treat and lessen inflammation.

Science is discovering new things about valuable nutrients such as Vitamin C at a fast pace. Research is revealing new health benefits of Vitamin C obtained from natural resources or from supplements in the recommended daily dosage.

Transparent Hands is addressing the problem of vitamin deficiency in Pakistan’s underprivileged areas by arranging free medical camps where our teams distribute supplements among the patients. Donate to support this noble cause.

How Much Vitamin C Is Enough? 

Ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is contained in certain foods. Vitamins are substances the body requires in small quantities to function correctly and remain healthy. But mind you, just because they are required in smaller amounts does not imply that they are unimportant! 

Water-soluble vitamins are transported to the body’s cells but are not held there. This means getting Vitamin C from food sources is a good idea. When you think of getting your body the needed Vitamin C, oranges and lemons might come to mind. However, baked potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, and cantaloupe are also excellent sources of ascorbic acid.

Adult men require 90 mg/day, and adult women require 75 mg/day of this beneficial vitamin, while children require 40-45mg/day. Thus, most of our vitamin uptake comes from the fruits and vegetables we incorporate into our diet. Consider adopting a healthy and balanced diet to enjoy the health benefits of vitamin C. 

What Role Does Vitamin C Play in the Human Body? 

It functions as an antioxidant in the body’s system, assisting in preventing cell deterioration brought on by free radicals. Substances called free radicals are created when human bodies turn the food they consume into energy. Free radicals are also present in the atmosphere due to pollution, sunlight’s UV rays, and tobacco smoke.

Vitamin C is also necessary for the body to produce collagen, a protein that facilitates the healing of wounds. Additionally, vitamin C enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron from plant-based meals and makes the immune system robust to defend the body against illness.

 (The information in this article should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice.)