Vitamin C prevents the free radical damage that contributes to aging and cancer and cardiovascular disorders. It also plays a role in preventing other antioxidants, including vitamin A and E, from being oxidized, thus keeping them potent.
Vitamin C helps increase resistance to a range of diseases by stimulating production of lymphocytes and being available for the thymus
Vitamin C increases the ability to handle physical and mental stress by being available to the adrenal glands in order to synthesize hormones.
It also enhances chemotherapy in addition to boosting immunity. Nitrosamines are proven carcinogens in animals and humans. Vitamin C blocks the process by which the body uses nitrites and nitrates to make nitrosamines and therefore block the formation of tumors.
Vitamin C help prevent high blood pressure and atherosclerosis by moving cholesterol from arteries to liver, where it’s converted to bile acids and then eliminated from the body. It reduces oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol). It also prevents the deposition of lipoprotein (another fatty substance) in the vascular wall.
Vitamin C and E combined reduce the risk of vision loss by 10%.
In general vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair for tissues in all parts of the body. It is needed for the formation of collagen, connective tissue, and the formation of bones and cartilages. It helps other nutrient do their job, like its need to convert folic acid into its active form. It increases our ability to absorb iron and improves the bioavailability of selenium.
Food Sources
Highest source: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, black currant, collards, guava, horseradish, kale, turnip greens, parsley, and sweet peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, chives, kohlrabi, orange pulp, lemon pulp, mustard greens, beet greens, papaya, spinach, strawberries, and watercress.
Moderate sources: Asparagus, lima beans, Swiss chard, gooseberries, red currants, grapefruit, limes, loganberries, melons, okra, tangerines, potatoes, and turnips.
Best form is Ascorbic Acid plus bioflavonoids if no stomach issues are present.
Mineral Ascorbates are a buffered form that is non acidic and gentler on the stomach then ascorbic acid.
Toxicity
No toxic effects known. Large doses can causes intestinal gas and loose stool. Vitamin C is used by the liver to detoxify drugs and other chemicals and appears to protect the body from side effects that accompany many drugs.
Recent Comments