Vitamin C Health Enhancing Benefits

Vitamin C delays skin aging, protects against cancer and infection, decreases blood pressure and cholesterol, improves asthma and mental health. Rich sources include bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, kale, oranges, papaya and cauliflower. Despite its importance in health, many Americans are deficient in vitamin C due to insufficient intake in nutrition dense fruits and vegetables.

Protects against Infection and Cance

Administration of high doses of vitamin C was found to treat the common cold. Vitamin C plays an important role in the antioxidant defense system and fighting against DNA mutations. It is a strong anti-oxidant on its own, but in a combination with vitamin E it increases survival rate of breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. A high intake of vitamin C significantly lowers the risk of cervical cancer.

 

Decreases risk of Heart Attacks and Diabetes

The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C are possibly responsible for its positive effect on heart health, a culprit for many metabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Vitamin C benefits blood pressure health, maintains healthy cholesterol, and with the help of vitamin E benefits health in diabetics.
Vitamin C is required for the maintenance of normal connective tissue and wound healing such as in the case of atherosclerotic arteries (hardening of the arteries). It was found that in combination with vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium, vitamin C significantly increased artery elasticity and thereby reducing risk of heart attacks.

Relieves Exercise Induced Asthma

Vitamin C has been shown to benefit lung health during exercise in those suffering from exercise induced asthma, as it decreases constrictions of airways.

Slows Onset of Age-related Disorders

Vitamin C decreases formation of eye disorders including cataract formation (cloudiness of the eye) and macular degeneration (age-related visual impairment), which occurs as the free radicals from sunlight and other sources damage the eye. It delays skin aging by reducing the amount of wrinkles and protects against sun damage. In addition, vitamin C along with vitamins B, D, E and omega-3 fatty acid are important for maintaining brain function and slowing down mental aging.

Strengthens Bones

Vitamin C improves bone health, because it is essential for formation of collagen. This was shown in a large study in which those with the highest intake of vitamin C had the lowest risk for hip fractures.

Lowers Pain and Inflammation

Vitamin C decreases inflammation in the body which is a source of pain. It lessens the risk of gout, which a very painful disease that results from a build up of uric acid crystals in the joints. It also helps manage pain from chronic pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas.