Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s wonder vit – Vitamin C. There are so many health benefits from taking this vitamin that surely it’s only a matter of time before it has its own theme tune and superhero costume? Before we dig into is vast and wondrous health benefits, lets look into what Vitamin C is and why it’s considered one of nature’s superpowers.
WHAT IS VITAMIN C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid V is abundant in vegetables and fruits ,most commonly consumed in citrus fruits and their juices. A water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps the body in numerous was including forming and maintaining connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and skin. Since the 1970s Vitamin C has been commonly used to assist with colds & immunity support but it has also been shown to assist in lowering hypertension, helping with stress and can even act as an antidepressant. Vitamin C is one of the first nutrients to be depleted in alcoholics, smokers and obese individuals which makes it an ideal marker for overall health.
Here are the Top 15, health-benefiting, super powers that it possesses…
1. BAM! SEES OFF SCURVY
Think scurvy and you think back to the days of old where sailors often died due to, amongst other things, a rationed diet without Vitamin C. Captain Cook eradicated the condition on his ships by forcing his crew to eat cabbage. You, however, can mix cabbage with other fruits and veggies that are high in Vit C or by supplementing your diet with a soluble powder.
2. POW! FIGHTS THE COMMON COLD
Although there’s no known cure (yet) for the common cold, there is research to suggest that taking Vitamin C can decrease its duration. A few days less of sniffling and sneezing? We’re in.
3. BOP! RAMPS UP THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
When your system is at stress due to illness the levels of Vitamin C in your body are probably low too. It’s important to top up levels so your body is strong enough to fight back. Vitamin C (or Ascorbic Acid) is required by the body’s cells to build resistance to certain pathogens and provides antimicrobial properties.
4. WHAM! IS STRONG ENOUGH TO FIGHT LEAD
Let’s be clear. Any level of lead in the body is bad news. Fortunately, Vitamin C can neutralise lead in the body, help transport it and eventually excrete it. According to researchers, a dose of around 1000 mg a day is enough to decrease amounts of lead in the blood.
5. KAPOW! KEEPS CATARACTS AT BAY
According to the World Health Organisation, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world. To avoid becoming one of the statistics add vitamin C to your diet. Although it may get to you in the end, the vitamin is thought to delay the onset of cataract by boosting diminishing levels of an antioxidant-type fluid in the lens of the eye.
6. BLAP! TAKES ON CANCEROUS CELLS – AND WINS
Vitamin C is proving itself to be a serious weapon in the fight against cancer, particularly colorectal cancers. Taken in large doses, Vitamin C, in the form of Ascorbic Acid, tricks cancer cells into accepting it by adopting a kind of fake I.D. Once absorbed the good guys do a double switch and kill off the cancerous cells.
7. ZAP! STANDS UP TO STROKES
A link between low levels of Vitamin C and strokes has been discovered. Research from Japan shows a significant correlation in the amount of strokes suffered by those who do not consume or supplement their diets with enough Vitamin C.
8. BIFF! LOWERS HYPERTENSION
Hypertension can lead to strokes or heart attacks so maintaining and monitoring blood pressure is essential. Research by the John Hopkins School of Medicine, USA, points towards high doses of Vitamin C and the lowering of blood pressure.
9. BOING! SAVES SKIN
You’ll see Vitamin C listed as an ingredient in many face creams. However, it makes a big difference to your skin when taken internally too. For skin that bounces rather than wrinkles, it’s important to check you’re getting the right levels of Vitamin C. Why? The vitamin plays an essential role in the creation of collagen and elastin.
10. WOW! IS WOUND-ERFUL
Want to speed up healing? Any wound, whether it be from surgery or a scraped knee will benefit from healthy Vitamin C intake. Ascorbic Acid plays a supporting role in the production of collagen, integral to skin. It also helps to keep the new collagen flexible enough to stretch without tearing.
11. WHIZZ! THINKS ASTHMA SUCKS
In its role as an antioxidant with antihistamine properties, Vitamin C can make a big difference to the lives of asthma sufferers – typically reducing inflammation and reaction. Significantly, researchers found a link between low levels of Vitamin C and severe asthma in men and children.
12. PLAP! TAKES ON STRESS – HANDS DOWN
High stress levels? Vitamin C can take on stress and come out on top. The vitamin is one of the many that is required by our body to protect our nervous system and brain function. In particular, it plays a key role in creating and balancing adrenaline – helping to keep you level-headed and calm(er).
13. KERRANG! TAKES CHOLESTEROL DOWN A PEG (OR TWO)
Ok, we’re getting the idea that Vitamin C is a bit of a multi-tasker but did you know it can take down cholesterol? This clever vitamin can assist the body by converting cholesterol into bile salts… Yes, really.
13. SCRAM! TACKLES SUGAR LEVELS
Diabetics regularly monitor their sugar levels and often eliminate certain foods. Foods that needn’t be skipped are those containing high levels of Vitamin C. It is thought that it can regulate blood sugar levels and limit problems associated with the condition.
14. SCRAM! TACKLES SUGAR LEVELS
Diabetics regularly monitor their sugar levels and often eliminate certain foods. Foods that needn’t be skipped are those containing high levels of Vitamin C. It is thought that it can regulate blood sugar levels and limit problems associated with the condition.
14. SWOOSH! GIVES ARTHRITIS THE ELBOW
Painful joints and swelling are common place for arthritis sufferers. However, Vitamin C could hold the key to pain reduction. As we know the vitamin is a key player in collagen production, which in turn reduces painful inflammation and swelling symptoms. Even better news is that it keeps joints healthy and flexible which may prevent you from becoming a sufferer.
