10 Benefits Of Vitamin C, Dosage, Deficiency, And Precautions
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for maintaining good health. It plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissues, wound healing, and boosting the immune system.The benefits of vitamin C are reasons enough to include it in your diet. This potent antioxidant helps the body regenerate other antioxidants, promotes the absorption of non-heme ironi , and promotes wound healing and connective tissue building. Also, it delays free radical damage to the skin and body
What Are The Health Benefits Of Vitamin C?
1. Improves Heart Health
Vitamin C was also found to help the arteries dilate under stress – this improves blood flow, and hence, its oxygen carrying ability as well. Another Indian study states that fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can prevent heart disease. The study says that a vitamin C-rich vegetarian diet can reduce blood cholesterol by 1%, which reduces the risk of heart attack by 2%.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure Levels
Vitamin C also protects your body’s supply of nitric oxide, a molecule known to relax the blood vessels (6). The blood pressure lowering effect can be attributed to supplements as well – consuming vitamin C supplements in a dose of 500 mg in a day could reduce systolic blood pressurei by 4 points and diastolic blood pressurei by 1.5 points – in a period of 2 months.
3. Boosts Immunity
A deficiency of vitamin C reduces the body’s resistance against certain pathogens (9). As per a study, vitamin C stimulates the immune system by enhancing the strength and protection of the organism. The nutrient had improved the quality of the newly synthesized collagen, thereby quickening the process of wound healing.
4. Helps Prevent Cancer
The intravenous administration of a type of vitamin C to inoperable patients with cancer resulted in a significant reduction in tumor volume without any side effects. Ascorbate also killed cancer cells, as noted in numerous studies. Another report by Cornell University had stated that vitamin C halts aggressive colorectal cancer.
5. Aids In The Treatment Of Osteoarthritis
Vitamin C can help prevent some forms of arthritis. But too much of it might worsen some other forms of the condition – which is why finding a balance is key. Getting the right dose of vitamin C helps prevent inflammatory arthritis and maintains healthy joints with osteoarthritis
6. Enhances Eye Health
Vitamin C might also aid in the regeneration of vitamin E in the eye, which further enhances eye health . Regular intake of vitamin C can also aid in the treatment of uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, also called uvea).
7. Treats Preeclampsia
According to an American study, vitamin C might help treat preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). However, further studies are warranted. Even oxidative stress could be responsible for preeclampsia. And since vitamin C helps combat oxidative stress, it can also help prevent this condition.
Vitamin C might also help terminate an unplanned pregnancy (abortion). Certain sources suggest that the vitamin can induce heat in the uterus and achieve this. But there is limited research on this.
8. Maintains Healthy Gums
Deficiency of vitamin C can also cause periodontal disease, a severe form of gingivitis (gum disease). This is because low levels of vitamin C can weaken the connective tissue and easily break down the capillaries. In fact, one early sign of vitamin C deficiency is bleeding gums. And the vitamin is responsible for the health of teeth and gums
9. Treats Viral Infections
According to a study, high dose intravenous vitamin C can be effective in treating allergies. In the past, such doses were used to treat infections like measles, herpes, mumps, and viral pneumonia. This shows the efficacy of vitamin C as an antibiotic. Also, since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it combats the harmful free radicals and helps treat viral infections.
10. Cures Lead Toxicity
Low levels of vitamin C in the bloodstream are often associated with high levels of lead. Regular vitamin C supplementation was found to reduce blood lead levels in smokers. Another study suggests that vitamin C can alleviate lead toxicity. And foods high in vitamin C are safe and help prevent lead poisoning. However, certain studies say taking vitamin C may not have any effect on lead toxicity .