Benefits of vitamin c: help fight bacterial infections and prevent scurvy

The health benefits of vitamin c are numerous!

Vitamin c is needed by the body to form collagen and fiber for teeth, bone, cartilage, connective tissue, skin, and capillary walls.

It also helps to fight bacterial infections and prevent scurvy.

Vitamin C is involved in over 300 biological processes in the body.

Listed below are some of the most important.

To manufacture Collagen - Vitamin C is necessary for the manufacture of collagen, the protein which forms the basis of connective tissue.
The most abundant tissue in the body, connective tissue acts as a cementing substance between cells.
It also helps support and protect blood vessels, bones, joints, organs and muscles and forms a sizeable proportion of skin, tendons, the cornea of the eye, ligaments, cartilage, teeth and bone.
Collagen forms a protective barrier and promotes healing of wounds, fractures and bruises.

Antioxidant - Vitamin C is the body�s most powerful water-soluble antioxidant and functions in a vital role in protecting the body against oxidative damage.
It neutralizes potentially harmful reactions in the watery parts of the body such as the blood and the fluid inside and surrounding cells.
It helps protect LDL cholesterol against free radical damage.
This antioxidant action helps to protect the health of the heart and an array of other body tissues.

Hormones - The benefits of vitamin c are also evident in the synthesis of hormones by the adrenal glands.

Cardiovascular System - Vitamin C plays a role in cholesterol production in the liver and in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids for excretion.
It supports normal total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and raises beneficial HDL cholesterol.
Vitamin C also supports normal circulation, therefore supporting the health of the heart.
Additionally, Vitamin C may function to protect the heart by preventing the oxidation of artery clogging LDL cholesterol. Studies have shown that high vitamin C intake is linked to heart health.
Other benefits of vitamin c may also be in the support of normal blood pressure and circulation.

Nervous System - Vitamin C plays a role in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, a neurotransmitter with many vital functions.

Lungs - There is some evidence that vitamin C may be of benefit in maintaining the health of the respiratory system.
This effect may be due to the antioxidant effect of vitamin C on oxidizing agents.
Vitamin C may also improve lung and white blood cell function and decrease respiratory stress.

Immunity - Vitamin C boosts immunity by increasing the production of B and T cells and other white blood cells, including those with a critical role in natural defenses.
It also increases interferon levels and antibody responses and has antiviral and antibacterial effects.
These immune-stimulating effects lead to improved resistance against infections.
Though the research is contradictory and inconclusive, Vitamin C may reduce the duration of colds and the severity of cold symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and sniffling by reducing blood levels of histamine, which can trigger tissue inflammation and runny noses.
It may also protect the immune cells and surrounding tissue from oxidative reactions that occur when cells fight bacteria.

Cataracts - Many studies show that vitamin C may protect the health of the eye, possibly by reducing ultra violet damage.
Vitamin C is highly concentrated in the lenses of normal eyes which may contain 60 times the amount of vitamin C as the blood, while stressed lenses have levels that are much lower.
Vitamin C may act to protect the lens from oxidative damage and protect enzymes within the lens that remove oxidation damaged proteins.

Diabetes - Increasing vitamin C intake in diabetics may support circulation, especially micro-circulation.

Other benefits of vitamin c include helping to protect the skin from sun damage and improve response to stress, including an improvement in athletic performance due to the effects on adrenal hormones.

Since food sources may not always provide the needed amount of vitamin c, a good supplement program is advisable.

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