Benefits of Vitamin C

There are many benefits of Vitamin C, but it is best known for its role in supporting the immune system. Plus, it is an antioxidant powerhouse.

Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C uses Sodium Ascorbate, a highly effective, more easily absorbed form of Vitamin C.
It is pH neutral (pH 7.4) as opposed to acidic Ascorbic Acid (pH 3.0). Therefore Sodium Ascorbate does not irritate the intestinal tract or kidneys.

The body easily absorbs sodium ascorbate, and studies have also shown that it stays in the system twice as long as the acid form. Sodium ascorbate is the only form of vitamin C approved by the FDA for intravenous injection in humans.

Antioxidant

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones and teeth. It’s also critical to your immune system.

It’s also an antioxidant, meaning it can protect your cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals — molecules produced when your body breaks down food or through exposure to toxins and pollutants like cigarette smoke. These oxidants can contribute to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

A diet rich in vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, red peppers, and strawberries, can boost your levels of this antioxidant. It’s particularly important for people who smoke, because they have lower blood levels of vitamin C than non smokers.

Immune System Support

Vitamin C has a number of benefits that can range from supporting your heart health to improving your eyesight. It’s also a great source of antioxidants, particularly the polyphenols. There are many Vitamin C supplement companies on the market, choose one which is in powder form as its easier to regulate the dose. If you’re prone to colds, supplementing with Vitamin C can help you recover faster. It also helps you ward off the flu in the first place. One of the most important vitamin C benefits is that it aids your immune system in the fight against colds and flu, a particularly tough battle for older adults.

Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin C is known to prevent blood clots and help keep your cholesterol levels at healthy levels. The vitamin also helps lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

It’s also been shown to improve endothelial function (the ability of the lining of the blood vessels to carry blood) in people with diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart failure.

The antioxidant power of Vitamin C is especially beneficial for reducing the oxidative damage caused by cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. It also protects against cellular DNA damage, which is the first step in cancer initiation.

Eye Health

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for eye health. It helps fight free radicals, which can damage the lens of your eye and cause cataracts.

Studies have shown that taking a combination of 500 mg of vitamin C and other antioxidants, such as zinc (80 mg), beta-carotene (15 mg) and vitamin E (400 IU), can help protect your eyes against developing macular degeneration.

In addition, it is thought that lutein and zeaxanthin can lower the risk of chronic eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, corn, peas, persimmons and tangerines.