When you feel under the weather, Vitamin C is likely something you turn to for an immune system boost. As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps fight harmful free radicals and keep cells healthy. However, these benefits go far beyond preventing common colds and illnesses. Vitamin C can help protect the skin, hair, and heart from damage and disease.

Unlike many animals, the human body is not capable of creating its own essential Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid. Instead, humans must obtain ascorbic acid through diet and supplements. Vitamin C is also quickly used by the body, which makes it even more important to have in your daily diet.

With cold weather and busy weeks fast approaching, you’ll want to see these top 3 uses of Vitamin C…

Free Radical Fighter

Perhaps one of its most important roles, Vitamin C acts as a defense against aging cells, free radicals, and disease. Free radicals can damage the body through oxidation, but antioxidants can help neutralize and prevent them. Vitamin C is one of these antioxidants, which is why it’s also beneficial for our aging bodies even before we feel sick.

One study in 2006 examined Vitamin C’s disease-preventing benefits and found the following:

“On the basis of current evidence, it is justified to promote diets rich in vitamin C for the prevention against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin C supplements are beneficial in wound healing, reducing the incidence of common cold primarily in heavily physically stressed persons. It is also effective in preventing plasma lipid peroxidation, and decreasing serum fibrinogen and cholesterol values as risk factors for cardiovascular disease.”

As we age, free radicals increase in the body and our antioxidant defenses decrease. This makes replenishing in healthful antioxidants, like Vitamin C, an important factor in maintaining immunity and preventing disease.

Beauty Benefits

Antioxidants like Vitamin C can also help prevent some of the effects of aging skin. By increasing blood flow and boosting collagen levels, Vitamin C helps the skin look and feel younger. One study in 2002 found that Vitamin C even helped improve wrinkled skin. Vitamin C also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce redness and uneven coloring on the skin.

Due to the powerful antioxidant presence, Vitamin C can promote healthier hair and prevent damage. Free radicals have been shown to cause hair damage, loss, and greying, so an antioxidant such as Vitamin C can help prevent some of these common issues that occur with age. 

Cardiovascular Health

Last but certainly not least, Vitamin C has several heart-healthy benefits that could help prevent the onset of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems that are currently on the rise in the United States.

One study of healthy male smokers found that Vitamin C helped restore blood flow and “coronary microcirculatory function and impaired CFVR against oxidative stress.” Vitamin C helps the blood vessels relax by reducing a constricting protein called endothelin-1. This protein causes the blood vessels to tense, which increases the risk of heart disease over time. 

Since Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be created in our bodies naturally, it’s important to incorporate it in your diet through foods and supplements. Some Vitamin C rich foods include oranges, strawberries, pineapples, bell peppers and brussels sprouts. Whether you’re feeling sick or just want to keep your cells healthy as you age, Vitamin C is a superfood you want to make sure you’re having you fill of. 

Resources:

http://www.biochemia-medica.com/content/vitamin-c-disease-prevention-and-therapy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1020374

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2507689

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929555/

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