Introduction:
Vitamin C has many health benefits. It strengthens the immune system and improves heart health. It also promotes iron absorption in the body. Vitamin C is essential for tissue growth, development, and repair. An antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals and unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells. The body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, so the only source of vitamin C is food or supplements. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, peppers, berries, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, and tomatoes. Vitamin C supplements include capsules, chewable tablets, and in powder form. It is required to make collagen, a fibrous protein found in connective tissue woven into various body systems, like nerves, immunity, bones, cartilage, blood, etc. This vitamin helps produce several hormones and chemical messengers used by the brain and nerves. This article discusses the benefits, uses, and sources of Vitamin C. It also discusses its effects on the blood.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is an important nutrient required by the body. This means that our body cannot make it independently, so we need to get it from food or supplements. Vitamin C is found in many foods, including oranges, red and green peppers, and kiwis. Research has shown that vitamin C has many general health benefits. However, the science still needs to be more conclusive regarding using vitamin C to treat or prevent certain health conditions. Although many think of it as an immune booster, ascorbic acid is important to many aspects of the body's health and well-being. According to Nutrients, vitamin C is essential for forming collagen, hormones (especially adrenaline), and carnitine, a compound that helps convert dietary fat into energy. Vitamin C protects against oxidative damage, aids in iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and participates in many metabolic pathways. It's truly a multitasker.
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C?
Fights Free Radicals - Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It can help treat, delay, or prevent the development of health problems by neutralizing free radicals. The instability of these molecules can cause damage to the cells and lead to disease.
Lowers Heart Disease Risk - Oxidative stress plays a role in developing cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases). The main reason is that oxidative stress can cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the thickening or hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup composed of cholesterol, fat, and other substances. This can lead to coronary artery disease.
Prevents Iron-Deficiency Anemia - Vitamin C is known to help the body absorb some nutrients. For this reason, health professionals have long recommended vitamin C supplements along with iron supplements to treat anemia.
Boosts Immunity and Speeds Healing - Vitamin C is best known to strengthen the immune system. It performs these functions in the following ways:
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Ascorbic acid causes the development of double-positive T cells from human hematopoietic stem cells without stromal cells.
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It allows the body to produce specialized immune cells that protect against infection.
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It improves the function of these immune cells.
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It protects against free radical damage.
Fights the Common Cold - It may help fight the common cold and other infections by strengthening the immune system.
Slows Age-Related Macular Degeneration - An eye disease can lead to blindness over time. Vitamin C intake can help slow the onset and progression of this condition.
Protects Brain Health - Studies show that regular diet and supplementation can protect against neurodegeneration.
What Are the Effects of Vitamin C on Blood?
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Absorption of Iron - Vitamin C increases the absorption of non-heme iron, which is found in plant foods such as leafy greens. Drinking a small glass of pure fruit juice or including foods rich in vitamin C in the diet can help increase iron absorption.
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Reduce Body's Blood Pressure - High blood pressure is another name for hypertension, also known as the 'silent killer.' High blood pressure often does not have symptoms, so a person may not be aware they have high blood pressure. If blood pressure is not controlled for a long period, the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening illnesses greatly increases. A study found that vitamin C supplementation lowered blood pressure in the short term. Vitamin C acts as a diuretic, removing excess amount of fluid from the body. Removing more sodium and water from the body relaxes the blood vessels' walls and lowers blood pressure.
What Are the Adverse Effects of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is generally safe to take, even in high doses. However, minor side effects, such as indigestion, may occur. In rare cases, some serious side effects may occur. The body cannot absorb all of the vitamin C that it gets from supplements. Common mild side effects of excessive vitamin C levels include:
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Diarrhea.
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Nausea.
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General abdominal discomfort.
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Stomach cramping.
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Bloating.
Conclusion:
Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is essential for many normal bodily functions. Although prominent in many immune-boosting supplements, its benefits to our health go far beyond preventing seasonal rhinitis. Vitamin C is an important nutrient essential for the body’s growth and survival. Additionally, scientists continue to discover the full potential of vitamin C in preventing chronic diseases. What may surprise many is that they are also not entirely sure that it can cure the common cold. Taking vitamin C supplements has beneficial effects on the blood. Vitamin C protects the body's immune system, reduces the allergic reaction’s severity, and helps fight infections. However, the importance and beneficial effects of vitamin C on human diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and metal toxicity are still under research. Further ongoing and uninterrupted efforts may open new perspectives for understanding its importance in disease management.
