To lead a fit and healthy life, one should have all kinds of proteins, nutrients, vitamins, fat, etc. Because they are necessary for the growth of the building blocks of the body (cells). One among those vital vitamins of the body is the Vitamin C. You’ll start eating the vitamin C rich foods once you know the benefits of vitamin C.
[Also read the benefits of oranges]
The Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, which is also called the Ascorbic acid. The vit c is a water soluble element. It helps in the synthesis of collagen. The collagen helps in making body muscles and blood vessels strong.
[Get the benefits of lemon]
As we cannot generate this C vitamin in our body, we should supply it from the outside. You can get the ascorbic acid from the vitamin C supplement and some foods rich in vitamin C. So, let us have a look at the list of foods with high vitamin C.
[Also get the list of iron rich foods for women]
Best Sources of Vitamin C
- Citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, lemons, etc.
- Strawberries, Raspberries.
- Cabbage, Cauliflower.
- Potatoes.
- Red peppers, broccoli.
- Chilies, Watercress.
- Parsley, cantaloupes.
- Mange tout, kiwi fruits, etc.
[Read the sources of vitamin D]
So, these are some of the foods that contain vitamin C. Consuming them regularly can help your body get all the benefits of vitamin C. Now, let us know what does vitamin C do and what is vitamin C good for in the below sections.
[Read also the sources of vitamin A]
What are the Benefits of Vitamin C?
The vitamin C is good for our immune system, weight loss, hypertension, blood vessels, cancer, cardiovascular stroke, etc. And also there are some vitamin c benefits for skin, hair too. Below are the advantages of vitamin C.
[Read more: Benefits of apples]
Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Immune system
To heal any wounds or to protect the body from infections, diabetics, etc. the immune system is responsible. So a healthy immune system is important. A regular consumption of vitamin C foods keeps your immune system stronger.
[Read more: diet for type 2 diabetes]
The vitamin C protects the body against infections and keeps your bones and teeth healthier. It improves the rate of wounds repairing. Taking vitamin C orally can heal the wounds faster. Applying any lotions or creams with vitamin C can protect the skin from UV rays exposure.
Weight Loss
This is one of the most attractive benefits of vitamin C. Right? Because most of us want to lose weight faster. So, do wait for nothing. Just start including the sources of vitamin C in your routine.
Dieticians and nutritionists suggest the vitamin C intake when you go for a weight loss treatment. This is because vitamin c reduces the insulin levels in the body. Hence, it prevents the storage of sugar and the fat conversion in the body. Thereby making a path for weight loss.
Hypertension
Reducing the high levels of blood pressure in the body is one of the benefits of vitamin C. Regular intake of the supplement of vitamin c helps to lower the bp levels in our body. Therefore, we’ll be free from the cardiovascular diseases due to high bp or hypertension.
High Dose Vitamin C Kills Cancer Cells
The very latest news is about the benefits of vitamin C for the cancer cure. High levels of vitamin C in the body kills only the cancer cells but not the normal cells. This is more active with the intravenous vitamin C than the oral intake.
The vitamin C breaks into hydrogen peroxide molecules in the body. Cancer cells in the body tissues cannot manage these hydrogen peroxide molecules, gets damaged and finally dies. But the normal cells have many ways to kick out the H2O2. So, there is no chance of the death of normal cells.
[Read more: Treatment for breast cancer]
Vitamin C Controls Diabetes
The low levels of vitamin C or a Vitamin C deficiency in the body may also cause diabetes. So, indirectly the intake of supplements of vitamin C is somewhat beneficial for the people with diabetes. Because vitamin C prevents the sugar storage in the body which is a reason for the presence excess sugar in the body.
[Read also the benefits of gauva]
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
Skin Texture
Improving the skin texture is one of the vitamin C uses. The vitamin C increases the production of collagen. It is responsible for the structure of blood vessels. Our skin will be healthy only if the blood vessels under the skin carries oxygen and nutrients properly. If there is a deficiency of nutrients or oxygen supply to the skin, it appears dry and rough. You can use the creams with vitamin c to improve the skin appearance.
Also, the vitamin improves the formation of elastin. This elastin thickens, heals, and protects the skin cells. As it thickens the skin, there is a great chance of maintaining the skin moisture. It also increases the skin circulation and plumps the skin surface.
Prevents Skin Decoloration
The photochemical reactions that undergo in the skin lead to skin decoloration. If there is a less amount of vitamin C in the body, the rate of reaction increase and finally decolors the skin. So, to prevent this, intake of vitamin C regularly is important.
[Read more: anti-aging foods]
Because the vitamin C forms a protection layer to DNA against these photochemical reactions. It also prevents the production of Pyrimidine dimers. They are the main reason for melanomas. The vitamin also lightens the dark color of the skin, age spots, and makes our skin look younger and smoother naturally.
Gives Protection from Sun
Skin protection is one of the benefits of vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C prevents the development of free radicals. The regular exposure to sun, pollution, and the habit of smoking develops free radicals in the skin. These free radicals may lead to the formation of tumors. The antioxidants of vitamin C reduces the effects of UV rays and sunlight exposure.
[Get the home remedies to remove tan]
Thereby, it reduces the sunburns due to UV rays. Not only the sunburns, but the Vitamin C also prevents the occurrence of skin cancer.
Collagen Production
The collagen rejuvenates the skin from the roots and prevents wrinkles, aging of the skin too. A deficiency of collagen leads to skin dullness. The production of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine are necessary for the formation of collagen. This tones and firms up the skin. For this process, vitamin C is the starter like thing.
So, these are some of the benefits of vitamin C presence in the body. Moreover, the main point here to remember is overdosage of anything is dangerous. Keeping all these in mind, make a habit of including the vitamin c fruits and veggies in your regular diet. Get a fit, healthy and beautiful body too.
Drink Lots of Water, Get Lots of Sleep, & Take Vitamin C!!!