Vitamin C : The Wonder Vitamin
Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Different vitamins play different roles in the body, and a person requires a different amount of each vitamin to stay healthy. Lately, we have seen lots of discussion that vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is an essential part of our diet and beauty routine. Especially with the looming shadow of the pandemic & the focus over building “immunity”, vitamin C supplements have gained new popularity. But this miraculous vitamin has more to do with your body than just face masks and orange flavoured tablets.
“C” ing the Benefits
Research has examined the effects of vitamin C on various health conditions and processes in the body, including heart health, cancer, eye diseases, immune function, brain health, blood sugar management, & skin health. Here’s a list of the multiple wonderous benefits of this super vitamin:
- Reduces Risk of a Serious Disease : Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body’s natural defenses by increasing blood antioxidant levels.
- Helps Prevent Iron Deficiency : Vitamin C supplements can help improve the absorption of iron from the diet. Thus reducing the risk of iron deficiency anaemia.
- Protects Your Memory & Thinking as You Age : Low vitamin C levels have been linked to an increased risk of memory and thinking disorders like dementia, while a high intake of vitamin C from foods and supplements has been shown to have a protective effect.
- Lowers Risk Of Heart Diseases : Vitamin C supplements have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. These supplements may lower heart disease risk factors, including high blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Fights Diseases & Infections : Vitamin C boosts immunity by helping white blood cells function more effectively, strengthening your skin’s defense system while helping wounds heal faster.
- Helps in Weight Loss : Adequate levels of Vitamin C can foster weight and fat loss by increasing oxidation of body fat during exercise and enhancing metabolism.
- Maintains Healthy Gums : Lower levels of vitamin C can weaken connective tissues thereby easily breaking down capillaries. A regular and moderated intake of Vitamin C can prevent bleeding gums and lead to improved oral health.
- Beauty Vitamin : Vitamin C has multiple benefits that lead to healthy, supple skin and hair. It has also been linked to having anti-aging benefits.
- Regulates Blood Sugar : It stimulates insulin mechanism, reduces fasting blood glucose thereby enhancing the efficacy of type 2 diabetes treatment.
Daily Requirement
For adults, the recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements might cause: Diarrhea, Nausea, Insomnia, etc.
Sources
All citrus fruits & green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin C. Here’s a list;