What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
Posted on August 17 2020
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C has gained an impressive reputation as the immune-boosting super vitamin and its claim to fame is well deserved. Vitamin C is essential for supporting the body’s natural defence system as well as acting as an antioxidant powerhouse that promotes youthful, glowing skin. Your body cannot naturally produce vitamin C on its own, so it is important to monitor our intake to ensure we are getting enough. Understanding the benefits of vitamin C is the first step in making sure you’re getting the most of what vitamin C has to offer. Here’s what you need to know.
Health Benefits
Many people reach for vitamin C rich foods as soon as cold and flu symptoms appear to help boost the immune system and fight the virus. However, most research shows1 that consistent use of vitamin C that keeps the immune system strong, which can prevent illness or shorten the duration of a cold. A healthy lifestyle, including a supplemental form of vitamin C, along with a diet rich in the vitamin, supports the immune system over time.
It’s not only colds and the flu vitamin C can help defend against. Vitamin C is proven to reduce the risk of:
- heart disease
- fatigue
- excessive bruising
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
Where can I find it?
When we think of increasing our vitamin C intake, we tend to think of infusing our diets with a liberal amount of oranges and hoping for the best. While oranges are a fantastic source of vitamin C, other citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruit, and pomegranates are even better. Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple also pack a vitamin C punch while vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts are a great option for those not wanting to increase their sugar intake.
Deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency, which can result in scurvy, is thankfully rare but can occur in people with a lack of variety in their diet. Smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke are also significantly more likely to have low vitamin C levels.
Vitamin C for your skin
If your skin is looking a little tired and you lust after that Instagram perfect skin ‘glow’, then vitamin C might be the answer to your skin woes. As well as creating glowing skin, the benefits of vitamin C are abundant including the ability to even out skin tone and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.2 Research also shows it can shield your skin from the visible impacts of environmental stressors, including free radical damage. It really is an all-round skin saviour.3
What to remember
Vitamin C is a powerhouse vitamin that has incredible benefits to health and skin. You can get your required vitamin C intake through a healthy and varied diet, however as your body cannot naturally produce vitamin C, it is important to monitor our intake to ensure you are getting enough.
