Sometimes we get contradictory nutrition advice on vitamins and minerals and Vitamin C is one of them. Science is very clear that we need it but the frequency, type and dose are debated often.
Typically people load up on Vitamin C when it’s cold and flu season because ascorbic acid, it’s alias, helps ward off illnesses. Our immune system tanks without it because the lining of our cardiovascular system become impaired. But, do not go out to CVS and pick up the candies and lozenges right this minu… Let’s educate and read up on it’s benefits.
First off, Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin needed for for cellular health, boosting the immune system, it takes part in the anti-aging efforts too. It’s considered an antioxidant. It’s impossible to make it in our own bodies so we have to obtain it from foods and typically the vibrantly colored ones - think reds, yellows and oranges.
Many people get an adequate amount of Vitamin C from their diets providing they have a balanced diet to include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Now, I know enough to know that’s not everyone. It’s been stated that about 30% of people have a Vitamin C deficiency so that could be a great reason to supplement. At best, the amount of vitamin C you need depends very much on your individual body.
According to a few medical journals and articles, this is what I pulled and can summarize.
Vitamin C boosts the immune system - but - this only works when you have been using it preventatively. It won’t work as well and has zero effect if you get sick and then start supplementing. Larger doses before you get sick could help you fight off infection but it will also give you diarrhea since you ingested so much.
It’s supports brain health. Research shows that the concentration levels of vitamin C in the brain are 100x more than the rest of the body. It helps fight off Alzheimer’s Disease, promotes neurotransmitter production and healthy development of nerve cells and myelin (the super conductive sheath around nerves that react at a lightening speed) and it reduces neural damage.
It fights off oxidative damage in the body. This means that it fights off free radicals. Free radicals are known cause cancer. Actually, this is even more specific to lung cancer and in certain lung cancer treatment, they encourage vitamin C supplementation.
It’s a mood booster - in one study, vitamin C deficits led to emotional instability and anxiety. However, increasing Vitamin C lead to more oxytocin - the feel good hormone!
It’s been known to boost collagen synthesis. Basically, we will produce more of the skin tightening agents - this makes total sense since there are so many Vitamin C serums for anti-aging efforts on the market.
It’s great for heart health because it reduces the chances of stroke and heart disease. It’s also known to increase HDL, the good cholesterol and decrease LDL, the bad one. One could correlate that maybe arteriosclerosis could be reduced too.
It’s an essential vitamin to keep cortisol in check so it’s a suprarenal requirement. During times of high stress it is recommended to supplement with Vitamin C or double up on those oranges.
So, how do you get your vitamin C? I will always recommend that a plant base diet for medicine is what you should aim for. Heating any fruit or vegetable up destroys is biochemistry and is not synthesized the same way so raw is always better. But, studies have shown that nutrients in our foods have declined over the last 50 or so years. You always want to supplement from reputable companies with good sourcing ethics. Unfortunately, the FDA has ZERO input on the industry of supplements so it’s crucial that you do some research. I like and approve of paleovalley’s essential c complex .
Well, if that’s not great news and encouragement to go and get some extra orange juice with your mimosa this morning, I don’t know what is! Cheers and happy Sunday!
My heart hugs your heart, chrissie
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