VITAMINS & MINERALS
PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN C
Vitamin C Protective Qualities
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbate or Ascorbic Acid,
is a water-soluble vitamin with strong antioxidant and
other protective properties. This includes:
- Heart Disease
- Antiaging Skin Care
- Skin Conditions
- Virus Protection
- Cattarachs
- Diabetes Damage
- Chemical and Metal Poisoning
- Cigarrette Smoke Damage [incluing second-hand smoke]
Role of Vitamin C in Preventing Heart Disease
The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C help prevent
heart disease by:
- protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage
- reducing the stiffness of arteries
- reducing the tendency of platelets to stick together
- normalising the lining of blood vessels. Vitamin
C improves nitric oxide activity, which aids the dilation
of blood vessels, an important factor in lowering
blood pressure and preventing spasms of arteries,
which might lead to heart attacks.
Vitamin C in Antiaging Skin Care
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen. Collagen strengthens
many parts of the body, such as muscles and blood vessels.
Vitamin C also promotes healing in damaged skin and
acts as a natural antihistamine.
Skin Conditions
Recurrent boils (furunculosis) may indicate defects
in white blood cell function. This is remedied with
vitamin C supplementation. Studies found that 1 gram
of vitamin C taken daily for 4 – 6 weeks, returned
white blood cell function to normal.
Virus Protection
Vitamin C aids formation of liver bile, helps detox
the liver from alcohol and drug toxicity and helps to
fight viruses.
Prevention of Cataracts
Studies have shown that vitamin C levels in the eye
decrease with age, possibly leading to a cataracts.
Vitamin C supplements prevent these levels from dropping.
Protection of Diabetes Damage
People with diabetes show increased activity of the
enzyme, aldose reductase. This leads to damaging accumulation
of sorbitol in eyes, nerves, and kidneys. Vitamin C
has been reported to reduce activity of the enzyme.
Prevents Chemical & Metal Poisoning
Vitamin C Supplements [1,000 mg per day] may help
protect the body against accumulation or retention of
the toxic substances, such as lead, nicotine, chemical
sprays etc.
Vitamin C Protects Against Cigarette Smoke
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C protect smokers,
as well as those exposed to secondhand smoke, from the
harmful effects of free radicals. Studies showed that
3 grams of vitamin C, taken by non-smokers two hours
prior to being exposed to cigarette smoke, reduced the
levels of smoke-induced free radical formation.
In summary, Vitamin C is central to many preventative
and restorative processes in the body. Over supplementation
is not a risk, and it is highly recommended that at
least 1000mg [1gram] of vitamin C is taken 1-3 times
daily. The most potent Vitamin C supplement is acerola
berry based.
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