10 Proven Health Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin,
Meaning it cannot be produced by your body. However, it has many functions and has been credited with remarkable health advantages.
Present in oranges as we all know, but also many other fruits and vegetables, including bananas, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, spinach and even brussels sprouts (not for everyone).
While it is widely recommended that you get your intake of vitamin C from foods, many people turn to supplements to fulfill their needs.
Here are 10 advantages of taking a Vitamin C supplement.
1. Stress. Vitamin C deficiency is associated with many illnesses linked to stress. In alcoholics, smokers, and obese people, it is the first nutrient that is lost. And since vitamin C is one of the stress-sensitive nutrients, research indicates that maintaining vitamin C levels can be an ideal marker for general health.
2. Colds. Vitamin C is not a remedy when it comes to the common cold, although some studies indicate that it can help prevent more severe complications. Reasonable evidence is available that taking vitamin C for colds and flu will reduce the risk of more complications, such as pneumonia and lung infection.
3. Stroke. While evidence has been inconsistent, one study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that those with the highest vitamin C concentrations in their blood had a 42% lower risk of stroke than those with the lowest concentrations. The foundations for this are not entirely clear. But what's obvious is that there are higher blood levels of vitamin C in people who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
In addition to higher [blood] levels of vitamin C, people who eat more fruits and vegetables would have higher intakes of other nutrients that are potentially good for health, such as fiber and other vitamins and minerals,
4. Skin Aging. On the inside and outside of the body, vitamin C affects cells and its antioxidant effects can be helpful when it comes to aging. In a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 4,025 women aged 40-74 explored the connection between nutrient intake and skin aging. Higher intakes of vitamin C were found to be associated with a lower probability of a wrinkled look, skin dryness, and a better appearance of skin aging. In addition, topical vitamin C treatments have been shown to decrease wrinkles in several studies.
5. May reduce your risk of chronic disease. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which can strengthen the natural defences of your body. Antioxidants are molecules that increase the immune system. They do so by shielding cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. They can promote a condition known as oxidative stress when free radicals accumulate, which has been linked to many chronic diseases.
Studies show that the blood antioxidant levels can be raised by up to 30 percent by eating more vitamin C.
6. May help manage high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts you at risk of cardiac disease, the world's leading cause of death. Studies have shown that in both people with and without high blood pressure, vitamin C can help lower blood pressure.
7. May reduce blood uric acid levels and help prevent gout attacks. Gout is a form of arthritis, and it is estimated that gout affects between one and two out of every 100 individuals in the UK. Men over 30 and women after menopause are primarily affected by the disease. It is extremely painful and involves joint inflammation, especially those of the big toes. Gout patients experience swelling and sudden, intense pain attacks.
8. Assists in avoiding iron deficiency. Iron is a major nutrient in the body that has a number of functions. It is essential for the development of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Supplements with vitamin C can help increase the absorption of iron from the diet. Vitamin C helps to transform iron that is poorly absorbed into a form that is simpler to absorb, such as plant-based iron sources.
9. Boosts Immunity. One of the key reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to improve their immunity, since many parts of the immune system are involved in vitamin C.
First, vitamin C helps promote the development of lymphocytes and phagocytes known as white blood cells, which help defend the body against infection.
Second, vitamin C helps to act more efficiently in these white blood cells while shielding them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals.
Third, vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defence system. It’s actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help reinforce the barriers of the skin.
10. Protects your memory. Dementia is a general term that is used to describe poor thought and memory symptoms. It affects over 35 million individuals around the world and usually happens to older adults. Studies indicate that oxidative stress and inflammation (collectively known as the central nervous system) near the brain, spine, and nerves may increase the risk of dementia.
Being a strong antioxidant, Low levels of vitamin C are associated with a diminished capacity to think and recall.
Many amazing health benefits have been associated with vitamin C, such as raising antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, defending against gout attacks, enhancing iron absorption, increasing immunity, and reducing the risk of heart disease and dementia.
Overall, if you fail to get enough from your diet, Take a look at Next Gen U Vegan High Strength Vitamin C Tablets, a perfect and easy way to improve your intake of vitamin C.
Are you getting enough vitamin D?
Vitamin D is needed to keep your body functioning well. Vitamin D helps with strong bones and supports normal function of the immune system. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, and depression. To make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D, you need include the right foods, supplements, and carefully planned sunlight.
READ OUR BLOG TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS AND WHY YOU NEED IT