Vitamin C is a crucial compound for the human body that our cells cannot produce naturally. As a result, the vast majority of people do not get enough vitamin C through their diet, which can lead to symptoms of deficiency.
In this article, we will cover the benefits of taking vitamin C supplements and how they can help to reverse several disease processes.
Vitamin C benefits
1. Lowers the risk of several ailments
As we covered in our previous article, oxidative stress is a metabolic state characterised by an excess number of free radicals in the body. Consequently, the risk of cellular damage and DNA mutations can increase dramatically.
Over the past few years, scientists have identified oxidative stress as a contributing factor of many diseases and found that a significant number of chronic illnesses are the direct or indirect result of this metabolic state.
Some of these ailments include coronary artery disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Fortunately, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that that helps to neutralise free radicals which can contribute to the prevention of these illnesses.
In a 2015 study, researchers found that the intake of vitamin C helped to reduce oxidative stress by up to 30%.
2. Decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide (2019). The primary defect of this disease revolves around the irreversible obstruction of the blood vessel that supplies the heart – the coronary artery.
As a result, heart cells called myocytes can become damaged which can lead to serious side effects. Despite the advances made in the management of heart attacks, prevention is still the preferred option.
One meta-analysis found that the daily intake of 700 mg of vitamin C helped to lower the risk of heart attacks by 25%.
Experts attribute these results to the anti-oxidative properties of vitamin C.
3. Helps with iron deficiency
Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. The key disruption that triggers this illness is having low levels of iron in the bloodstream. This mineral is vital for the production of red blood cells.
Here are some common causes of iron deficiency anaemia:
- Excessive bleeding (such as heavy periods)
- Malnutrition and poor diet
- Malabsorption (e.g. celiac disease, Crohn’s disease)
- Genetic disorders and family history
What most people are unaware of is that iron absorption is also dependant on the acidity of the stomach, which means that the acidic nature of vitamin C can help boost the influx of iron.
In fact, taking vitamin C has helped to improve the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, even without iron supplementation.
4. Contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Taking vitamin C supplements when you have the flu or the common cold is a practice followed by many.
There are some studies that back up the immune-boosting properties of consuming foods rich in vitamin C and increase your levels of white blood cells known as lymphocytes. It also helps to increase the skins defence system and shorten wound healing time.
Vitamin C is an essential molecule that provides the body with numerous health benefits. The body does not produce Vitamin C naturally and therefore it is important to seek supplementation.
Our Vitamin C and Zinc supplement contains over 1000mg of Vitamin C as well as a superfood blend which contains many powerful antioxidants.
If you still have any questions, please share them in the comment section below.