HEALTH

Ascorbic Acid For Improving Immunity

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a well-known dietary supplement for increasing immunity and maintenance of a healthy body. The human body cannot synthesize vitamin C on its own, therefore external intake of this vitamin is necessary. 

 

The deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy and therefore, it got named as ascorbic acid, in which ascorbic means ‘anti-scurvy’.

 

Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a common water-soluble vitamin that are found in food sources very easily. The most conventional sources of vitamin C include bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, tomatoes, guava, kiwi, strawberries, oranges, kale and snow peas. The daily intake of vitamin C is only 90 milligrams, which is easily absorbed by the body by consuming these fruits and vegetables.

 

Vitamin C supplements

The daily requirement of vitamin C can be easily obtained by eating fruits and vegetables. If a person does not maintain a well-balanced diet, then the person should opt for multivitamins containing vitamin C.

 

As vitamin C is required for improving immunity, it is vital for consumption on a daily basis. It is a very potent antioxidant that can strengthen the immunity system and natural defense mechanism present within the body.

 

Antioxidants such as vitamin C are useful in the protection of body tissues from external components and free radicals that damage the body. Vitamin C can boost the immune system by reduction of these free radicals.

 

There are few immune support vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin C. When taken together they fight infection and improve the defense mechanism of the body.

 

Vitamin C supplements are sold as over-the-counter drugs in medical stores, which can be taken in required doses without proper consultation from a physician. Vitamin C supplements are easily found in vitamin supplements stores or can be sourced from online websites.

 

There are many flavors of these supplements available in the market, and sometimes they are admixed with other vitamins, nutrients, and minerals for use to treat several body conditions related to skin, hair, immunity, iron deficiency, and maintenance of a healthy heart.

 

Benefits of Vitamin C

There are some scientifically proven benefits of vitamin C, and some unproven claims of using vitamin c, such as it helps to prevent the common cold. Because of the high immunity bonding capacity of vitamin C, it is beneficial in reducing the risk and severity of catching a cold. 

Apart from building body tissues and improving immunity mechanisms, vitamin C has many other benefits on the human body:

 

  •   Blood Pressure and Hypertension

Vitamin C maintains blood pressure and helps in controlling hypertension. Vitamin C supplements support in relaxing blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure. In this manner, the risk of developing heart disease is also decreased by the intake of vitamin C.

 

  •   Iron Deficiency

People suffering from iron deficiency or blood disorders are advised to intake multivitamin supplements majorly containing vitamin C. It helps to restore the iron deficiency in the human body and helps in the formation of red blood cells. 

This supplement is very useful for vegetarian people as meat is the major source of iron. Vitamin C also reduces the possible risks of anemia resulting from iron deficiency.

 

  •   Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin C decreases high blood pressure levels in the body and therefore helps to keep the heart-healthy. The cardiovascular system of the body is regulated by the heart and vitamin C improves blood flow through the heart and various other systems. 

Apart from lowering blood pressure, vitamin C can decrease bad cholesterol levels and improves the level of good cholesterol in our body. If these levels of cholesterol are maintained properly, then the risk of getting heart disease can be combated.

 

  •   Improves Memory

Vitamin C is helpful in decreasing the symptoms of Dementia. It improves the thinking ability and memory of individuals. Vitamin C reduces the oxidative stress of the brain, spinal cord, and associated nerves from free radicals by inducing the antioxidant properties. 

An intaking regular dosage of vitamin C will help an individual to retain the memory and thinking capacity for decision making and concentration.

 

  •   Uric Acid Levels

Vitamin C impressively regulates the uric acid levels in the body. People with a rich fiber diet including a high amount of vitamin-rich food are less likely to have higher levels of uric acid in the body. 

Higher levels of uric acid in the body are very harmful to overall bone health and the presence of an excess quantity of uric acid inside the body can cause gout and other types of arthritis. Vitamin C lowers the risk of developing arthritis and lowers the formation of gout.

 

Conclusion

 

The vital nutrient and vitamin supplements are taken by individuals for proper maintenance of health. Vitamin C is also a vital nutrient that helps to strengthen the immunity system and helps in the formation of skin, bones, and blood vessels.

 

Vitamin C can be easily included in the diet by fruits and vegetables, apart from having multivitamins and supplements.