The Super Vitamin C
There's been a lot of research concerning Vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, this nutrient serves the body in a great variety of ways.
In addition to the long established means of helping maintain health, Vitamin C is proved in helping the body overcome illness and some disease.
What we certainly know about vitamin C is that it is an essential part of the creation of collagen in the body. Collagen is particularly important to the connective tissues of the body and is what the scar of healed wounds is made of. We also know Vitamin C helps keep the gums healthy and the teeth tight. It also promotes healthy cell growth and development, as well as helping the body to use the iron and calcium it takes in. Vitamin C plays an important role in the rebuilding of tissues, helps to keep tiny capillaries functioning properly, and also serves to prevent dangerous blood clots.
From the many scientific studies throughout the years, Vitamin C has come to be associated with many other health benefits. These include such things as helping to fight infection, strengthening the body's immune system, playing a role in the reduction of cholesterol and high blood pressure, and having a part in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. Moreover, Vitamin C has been associated with helping to prevent cataracts, cardiovascular diseases and possibly even certain types of cancer. Research continues into these intriguing areas of study so now definite conclusions are yet available.
A lack of Vitamin C has been known for many years to be the cause of the disease scurvy, which was a plague for pre-nineteenth century sailors. 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 advances, 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.
While the minimum standard of Vitamin C daily intake is 60 micrograms or mg, many nutritionists 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 mgs daily. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and therefore passes out of the body with urine. That means it must be replaced daily.
Natural Sources of Vitamin C are oranges and all the citrus fruits.