Vitamin C Benefits- Why it is “Wonder Vitamin”

Vitamin C benefits (Ascorbic Acid) are huge on our health. It may possibly be a “wonder vitamin” in some texts. Few articles are available which claim that Vitamin C and Ascorbic acid both are different. Along with that lot of claims have also been made for it in the past few years, not the least of which was Dr Linus Pauling’s claims for its ability to prevent and lessen the duration and intensity of the common cold when taken in large doses.

Unfortunately, although vitamin C is anti-viral and does support the immune system, it is not necessarily a magic bullet that will defeat the common cold or even cancer! In fact, some recent studies seem to be indicating that Dr Pauling’s claims might be a little overstated.

Vitamin C, like most other vitamins and mineral supplements, primarily helps the body do its job effectively. Deficiencies of vitamin C CAN predispose the body to certain ills, and proper intake either through daily diet or vitamin supplementation can HELP prevent certain conditions and illnesses. Vitamins and mineral supplements should never be used as the only path to health but should be part of a lifestyle that includes overall attention to nutrition, activity (okay, exercise), proper rest and sleep, and enjoyable forms of recreation and relaxation. I personally would throw in yoga and meditation, but those are enjoyable forms of recreation, relaxation, and exercise, I guess. You will have to find what works best for you.

Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and, as such, is not stored in the body. This means it must be regularly replaced by diet and/or supplementation. The most commonly recognized sources of vitamin C are citrus and other fruits – oranges, tangerines, limes, guava, lemons, papayas, strawberries, black currants, grapefruit and mangoes – as well as a wide range of vegetables. Some vegetables which contain Vitamin C include collard greens, sweet and hot peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, kale, spinach, and watercress.

Affects 

Several people ask that what is vitamin c good for? what does vitamin c do? so, the answer is, Vitamin C is a nutrient valuable for tissue growth, protection of cell membranes from toxic wastes, wound healing, and, as mentioned, support of the immune system. It supports the growth of collagen and cartilage, protecting in this way against many of the effects of ageing.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps combat free radicals, and it may help with cancer, high cholesterol, cataracts, diabetes, allergies, asthma, and periodontal disease. The effectiveness of vitamin C is believed to be increased when taken with vitamin E.

Does 

To get Vitamin C Benefits, the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C is 60 mg per day for adults, although many people, following Dr Pauling’s lead, take much higher doses in hopes of preventing colds and warding off the effects of ageing. However, in higher doses, there may be some toxicity with one of the side effects being diarrhoea. In some cases, higher doses of vitamin C may cause kidney stones or anaemia, due to an interference with the absorption of vitamin B12.

A reminder: vitamin C is water soluble, and unused portions will be flushed from the body, so daily intake of foods rich in vitamin C or supplementation with a multivitamin may be of value. The major vitamin c foods are citrus in nature. 

While there do not seem to be major problems associated with a high dose of Vitamin C, it might a good idea to stick within recommended daily allowances since the jury is still out on side effects.

Deficiencies

The most well-known Vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, a condition characterized by weakness, anaemia, gum disease, and skin lesions. Fortunately, scurvy is very rare in our modern society although still found to a greater degree in areas of poor nutrition. Frequent infections, severe colds, nosebleeds, tiredness, and painful joints may also indicate a deficiency.

Conclusions

In the nutshell the Vitamin C Benefits are huge but the counterparts are also long. So its always recommended to taking the supplement of this vitamin under the proper guidance of medical practiosnar.