As many people know, there is a long list of nutrients that are necessary for good health and overall well being. While all of the nutrients that we need are available in food, we often do not intake all of the recommend doses. One of the most important nutrients to consume on a daily basis is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great in many ways and provides lots of health benefits. So, what exactly is Vitamin C? Vitamin C is a nutrient known as ascorbic acid. The powerful antioxidant is great for protecting and aiding the body with many of its functions.
Based on personal habits, an average adult should consume anywhere from 90 to 120 mg of Vitamin C each day. Thankfully, the nutrient is water soluble and the body usually removes any extra amounts though urine. With that being said, taking around 2,000 mg a day can result in uncomfortable side effects such as nausea and kidney stones. A lack of Vitamin C can cause a number of issues including muscle aches, fatigue, and joint pain. To ensure that you are getting a good dose of Vitamin C, be sure to consume foods containing it such as fruits, vegetables, peppers, and potatoes.
1. Helps Prevent Scurvy
One of the side effects of not getting enough Vitamin C is the development of a potentially severe disease called Scurvy. Scurvy is a disease that can cause swollen gums and possibly the reopening of previously healed wounds. It can also make healing from injuries more difficult. While the illness if rare, it can be fatal if left untreated. The disease is said to be directly caused by a lack of Vitamin C.
The reason is because Vitamin C is essential for the body to produce collagen. Collagen is important because it allows connective tissue in the body to properly form and function. Without these essential tissues, the body is at risk of healing problems and issues with blood vessel structures. Thankfully, Scurvy is quite simple to treat and even easier to prevent. For prevention or treatment, specialists suggest consuming at least 30 mg of Vitamin C each day. If you seem to fall short of the suggested daily dosage, consider taking a Vitamin C supplement.
2. Effective in Curing Cataracts
Another essential health benefit of Vitamin C is the curing of Cataracts. For those who are unaware, Cataracts are a cloudiness that forms in the eye. This can affect vision and be quite frustrating to deal with. Cataracts are most present in older people and half of all people in the United States will have developed or have had surgery for Cataracts by the age of 80.
One of the main ways to treat and prevent Cataracts is to increase the intake of antioxidants. Vitamin C, as stated previously, is a powerful antioxidant and is very useful for curing Cataracts. Be sure to locate and consume foods that are high in Vitamin C or consider taking a Vitamin C supplement if you want to be sure that you are getting a good dose of it.
3. Lowers Hypertension
Hypertension is yet another disease that can be treated with Vitamin C. Hypertension is simply a name for a case of very high blood pressure. High blood pressure occurs when the blood is too forceful against the walls in your arteries. The reason that this can be so dangerous is because there are many complications linked to untreated hypertension. Some of the possible side effects include an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and even death. Vitamin C is a great way to lower hypertension. High doses of Vitamin C have been found to be capable of lowering high blood pressure. For the best results, specialists recommend taking around 500 mg a day. To ensure proper dosage, one may consider purchasing a Vitamin C gummy or pill which can contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 mg of Vitamin C each.
4. Relieves Asthma Symptoms
Another health benefit of taking Vitamin C is the relief of Asthma symptoms. Asthma is disease that consists of inflamed airways. Asthma can be dangerous and quite uncomfortable to deal with. The chronic disease can make it hard for air to move in and out of the lungs. Asthma can also make it difficult to stay physically active. This is because Asthma can make it tough to breath during strenuous exercise. Having Asthma can deter people from exercising which can also lead to a number of health problems.
Overall, Asthma is a problematic disease with negative effects. Vitamin C is a good way of relieving some Asthma Symptoms. It has been found that lower levels of Vitamin C in the blood plasma is directly linked with Asthma. To prevent or lessen Asthma symptoms, make sure you are taking in proper amounts of Vitamin C.
5. Prevents Heart Disease
Heart disease is a serious condition that can be possibly treated using Vitamin C. Heart disease consists of a number of conditions that can occur to the heart. Heart disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease if left untreated. Those with heart disease are also at a bigger risk for problems like stoke and heart attack. Vitamin C has been studied as a potential use for lessening and preventing heart disease.
The reason is because Vitamin C counteracts a lot of causes of heart diseases. One of which is the fact that it can prevent free radicals that lead to aging and heart disease. Additionally, Vitamin C has been found to strengthen arteries so that they don’t become patched with plaster casts that can lead to heart problems. As with Hypertension, Heart disease is best counteracted with high doses of Vitamin C.
6. Protects Against Common Cold
The last health benefit of Vitamin C is the prevention of the Common Cold. Colds are common illnesses that can be mild or severe. The Cold is caused by a virus and therefore can’t be treated with antibiotics. This is why you don’t get a prescription if you have a cold. With that being said, Vitamin C is a possible way of preventing and helping yourself get over a cold. Vitamin C is good for the immune system and can strengthen it. The immune system is responsible for fending off and dealing with diseases exposed to the body. Taking Vitamin C can help you to be better protected from illnesses like the Common cold.
