Vitamin C: The Mega Vitamin
Vitamin C is the most important healing vitamin that we have. The body cannot manufacture Vitamin C. Yet stress and modern living rob us of this important compound.
It is vital, then, that we get a plentiful supply of this Vitamin through our food. It is critical however, that we take the right type. Getting it from real foods made in nature is always superior to supplementation.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a key role in overall health, longevity and having a strong immune system. It helps to convert cholesterol into hormones.
it has been shown to play a key role in treating diabetes, heart disease, cancer and male infertility. It has also been shown to reduce alcohol and drug cravings.
Vitamin C assists the absorption of iron and has oxidative activity. Studies have shown a decrease in free radical damage in physically active people who take supplements.
Vitamin C also helps to protect us against infection and to more quickly heal from wounds.
Studies have shown that if you take vitamin C you’ll be able to delay the onset of cataracts. While many people believe that this Vitamin can prevent a cold, research doesn’t back this claim up.
What is does show, however, is that Vitamin C can lessen the chances of developing further complications from your cold, such as lung infection or pneumonia.
Deficiency of Vitamin C
The following are all signs of deficiency:
- Wrinkles
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Male infertility
- Weak Immunity
- Collagen loss
- Varicose veins
- Bruising easily
- Bleeding gums
- Fatigue
- Dry, rough skin
Vitamin C deficiency is caused by stress, smoking, stimulants such as energy drinks and caffeine along with steroidal medications
Best Sources of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is most plentiful in the following fruits and vegetables:
- Kiwifruit
- Citrus fruit
- Berries
- Pomegranates
- Bell Peppers
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Potatoes
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
Heating tends to break down the Vitamin C, so try to eat these foods raw if possible. You should endeavour to get 5 servings per day of Vitamin C rich foods and vegetables.
Supplementation
Vitamin C supplements are available in tablet and capsule form and as a powder. Some may be sensitive to the acidic nature of Vitamin C, and so will have to take it along with calcium in a buffered-non acidic form. Ester C is another form of ascorbic acid that is reportedly more absorbable.
Taking 1000 mg of Vitamin C daily will do wonders on boosting your overall health, fortifying your immune system and protecting against a whole host of ailments.
When you begin to feel sick, however, you should take a little more, as it helps to stimulate your immune system.
If you take too much Vitamin C you’ll get diarrhoea. There is some conflicting evidence that mega dosing may also induce kidney stone formation. The upper limit to avoid complications is 2000 mg per day.
When Vitamin C is supplemented along with iron, it increases the absorption of the iron supplement.
Check with your medical practitioner for the correct dose for you.