Why Vitamin C is Important

Vitamin C is a hot topic of question lately and I often get asked why vitamin C is important? There are many vitamin C benefits that affect our health in such a positive way. Because vitamin C is water-soluble, our body is unable to store it. This means that many of us fall short of our daily requirements. To remedy this, I started taking a multivitamin to ensure I get enough of my vitamin C. Here is why it is so important:

ANTIOXIDANT

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that may help fight free radicals, harmful molecules that wreak havoc on our immune system. We need this vitamin for a healthy immune system. A deficiency in this vitamin may make us more prone to illness and disease. If you are interested in reading more about this topic, try reading my article on what affects your immune system?

PREVENTS COLD AND FLU

Above all, it may also support your immune system by helping you fight back against cold and flu viruses and bacteria. In many cases, additional amounts of this powerful vitamin may even help reduce the duration and intensity of symptoms in the event you do get sick.

PROMOTES CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

If the free radicals are left on their own in our body, they can eventually evolve into cardiovascular diseases. It may help protect you from these illnesses.

SUPPORTS EYE HEALTH

This micronutrient may also help in maintaining eye health. Studies have shown that daily multivitamins may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

PROMOTES HEALTHY AGING

Taking this vitamin has shown to help ward off wrinkles as well as other visible signs of aging. Again its antioxidant properties are working overtime to help reduce oxidative stress while keeping cells happy, healthy, and functioning.

STRONGER, FULLER HAIR

Research has shown that Vitamin C, along with biotin and Vitamins B3, may promote healthier hair. The oxidative stress caused by the free radicals damages cell structures. This causes the hair to age in the form of hair loss and graying. This powerful micronutrient can help prevent this aging.

PROMOTES EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

It may be beneficial in promoting a good mood by reducing anxiety and stress. For example, fatigue and depression are known to closely precede the physical symptoms of scurvy—a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency (1,2) —suggesting that vitamin C may also be a moderator of mood (3).

VITAMIN C MAINTAINS DIGESTIVE HEALTH

A deficiency of this particular micronutrient can lead to a range of digestive issues and diseases, such as scurvy. For example. this dangerous disease can cause serious problems, such as gum disease, dehydration, poor wound recovery, infection, and even death. In addition, vitamin C is also crucial to making sure your digestive tract remains strong.

Above all, since taking my daily multivitamin, I have experienced less illness and overall better health. I feel more energized and my body is happy!

I currently take Solaray QBC Plex, which contains quercetin, bromelain, plus vitamin C. This brand is one I trust and have taken for years. It also has helped tremendously with my seasonal allergies.

CONNECT:

If you learned anything new about vitamin C benefits let me know in the comment section below. I also would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me @Eat_Your_Nutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva

References:

1. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers: evidence for a recommended dietary allowance.
   Levine M, Conry-Cantilena C, Wang Y, Welch RW, Washko PW, Dhariwal KR, Park JB, Lazarev A, Graumlich JF, King J, Cantilena LR
   Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996 Apr 16; 93(8):3704-9.
2. Crandon J.H., Lund C.C., Dill D.B. Experimental human scurvy. N. Engl. J. Med. 1940;223:353–369. doi: 10.1056/NEJM194009052231001.
3. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Bozonet SM, Vissers MCM. High Vitamin C Status Is Associated with Elevated Mood in Male Tertiary Students. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018;7(7):91. Published 2018 Jul 16. doi:10.3390/antiox7070091.