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How Vitamin C Can Benefit Your Health
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Vitamin C
Your body requires vitamin C to maintain healthy blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, collagen and bones. The healing process in your body also depends on vitamin C.
Vitamin C benefits
The benefits of Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, include:
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Reduces risk of chronic disease
Vitamin C works to shield your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which are chemicals your body produces as it breaks down food, is exposed to tobacco smoke, or is exposed to radiation from the sun, X-rays, or other sources. Additionally, iron storage and absorption are aided by vitamin C. -
Helps prevent iron deficiency
The production of red blood cells and the delivery of oxygen throughout the body depend on vitamin C. This is because Vitamin C is essential to absorbing iron, which is required for haemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell formation. -
Boosts immunity
Since vitamin C plays a role in many aspects of the immune system, increasing immunity represents one of the primary reasons why individuals take vitamin C supplements.
Vitamin C promotes the development of lymphocytes and phagocytes, two types of white blood cells that assist the body fight illness. It improves the efficiency with which these white blood cells perform as well as defending them against injury from potentially hazardous substances like free radicals. It is also crucial to the skin's protection, functioning as an antioxidant and supporting the skin's defences.
Best sources of vitamin C:
Vitamin C is present in many kinds of fruits and vegetables. Some of the best sources include:
- Citrus fruit, such as oranges and orange juice
- Peppers
- Strawberries
- Blackcurrants
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Potatoes
Symptoms of a deficiency in vitamin C include:
- Damage to blood vessels
- Swollen, tender and aching joints
- General weakness
