Top 5 Benefits of Vitamin C

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a critical role in the growth, development, and repair of all your body tissues. Vitamin C is also involved in many body functions as well, including the synthesis of collagen, absorption of iron, and the maintenance of hair, skin, and bones.

Vitamin C isn’t made naturally by the body, however, most adults get their necessary Vitamin C through diet alone. Adult women need 75 milligrams per day while adult men need 90 milligrams. If you’re not consuming your fair share of citrus fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, which many of us are all too guilty of, then taking a vitamin C supplement can help more than just your immune system. 

Strengthens your Immune System

Vitamin C is most known for protecting your immune system and helping you recover from a bad cold more quickly. It does this by protecting against oxidative stress, which is a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. In doing so, Vitamin C effectively aids the body in microbial killing as well as decreases the potential for tissue damage.

Deficiency in Vitamin C has been shown to increase the rate and duration of infections. If you’re down and out with a cold, consuming Vitamin C is a good way to help you recover more quickly.

Stimulates Collagen Synthesis

Vitamin C also plays a huge role in the formation of collagen, which is the most abundant structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues. Collagen is basically the “glue” that holds your body together.

This means that vitamin C can aid in the natural regeneration process of your skin, hair, and nails, as well as help wounds heal faster and maintain joint health.  

Increases Cognitive Function

Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties in the brain, helping to increase neurotransmitter synthesis. It also plays a critical role in the maturation of neurons and in the formation of the myelin sheath that protects them and speeds impulse transmission, making it vital to cognitive performance.

One review of 50 human studies found that those with higher blood levels of vitamin C or a higher self-reported vitamin C intake had better attention and memory scores than those with lower blood or intake levels.

Manages High Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that vitamin C may also aid in lowering blood pressure for both those with and without high blood pressure. 

According to scientists from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, high doses of vitamin C, may produce small reductions of blood pressure. Vitamin C may act as a diuretic, removing excess fluid from your body, thus, helping to lower the pressure within your blood vessels.

Helps Prevent Iron Deficiency

Vitamin C has been shown to help improve the absorption of iron from your diet.

If you have low iron levels, consuming more vitamin C may help to improve your blood iron levels.