Vitamin C Earns an “A”!
By John Sanderson
There’s been a great deal of research concerning the many
ways in which vitamin C is beneficial to health. Also known as
ascorbic acid, this nutrient serves the body in a variety of
ways. There’s a great deal of research indicating its value
in helping the body overcome serious illness and
disease. Some studies indicate a good potential for the possibility
that vitamin C can even help prevent some diseases.
What
we definitely know about vitamin C is that it is an essential
part of the creation of collagen in the body. Collagen is particularly
import to the connective tissues of the body and is the scar
of healed wounds is made of. We also know that it helps to keep
the gums healthy and the teeth
tight. It also promotes healthy cell growth and development,
as well as helps the body to use the iron and calcium it takes
in. Vitamin C plays an important role in the healing of wounds
and
the rebuilding of tissues, helps to keep tiny capillaries functioning
the way that they should and also serves to prevent dangerous
blood clots.
From the many scientific studies through the
years, vitamin C has come to be associated with many other
health benefits.
These include such things as strengthening the body’s immune
system, helping to fight infection, playing a role in the reduction
of cholesterol and high blood pressure and having a part in the
prevention of arteriosclerosis. Furthermore, vitamin C has been
associated with helping to prevent cataracts, cardiovascular
diseases and even certain types of
cancer. Research continues into these intriguing areas of study.
A lack of vitamin C has been known for many years to be the
cause of the disease scurvy. Early signs of scurvy include red
bumps around hair follicles, easy bruising, joint pain and a
general feeling of weakness and fatigue. As the disease progresses,
small open sores begin to appear on the body and in the mouth.
The teeth loosen and gum tissue bleeds. Other ways in which a
deficiency of vitamin C can affect the health of the body include
poor digestion, water retention, frequent colds and low energy
levels.
Getting enough Vitamin C
While the minimum standard of vitamin C daily intake is 60 mg
(micrograms), most experts recommend consuming significantly
more than that. The minimum requirement offers protection against
the worst symptoms of vitamin C deficiency, with most of the
positive effects coming from intake levels of 200 to 500 mg
daily. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and thus passes
out of the body with urine. That means it must be replaced
daily.
Many
people find that using vitamin C supplements is a safe and
convenient means of making sure that the daily vitamin C
intake goals are met. Your desired daily intake of vitamin C
will
depend of what you are hoping to achieve with your intake, such
as helping to reduce cholesterol or high blood pressure, helping
in collagen production or building up your immune system. Seeing
your health care professional is a good way to determine the
best and most beneficial daily intake level for you.
© John Sanderson
This
article is courtesy of HighProteinGuide.com.
