Vitamin C: Nutrient Extraordinaire

Vitamin C is truly an extraordinary nutrient. Research abounds to show that this vitamin is a vital substance required for many fundamental processes in the body, including some of the well-known ones like strengthening the immune system and maintaining healthy gums, eyes and skin. C is a water soluble vitamin that is also a powerful antioxidant. Since it is water-soluble, like the B Complex, it is not stored as much in the body like the fat soluble vitamins are; however, both the B and C complexes are stored to some extent in the liver. The C complex vitamin travels through your bloodstream, and any excess your body doesn’t need comes out in your urine. So, because the human body cannot manufacture this vitamin, and not too much of it is stored in the body, we do need to consume vitamin C-containing foods on a regular basis.

Functions of Vitamin C in the Body

Vitamin C has many functions in the body, including:

Aids in tissue growth and repair, and is hence helpful in healing, for example, after surgery
Protects against heart disease and arthritis
Acts as a natural antihistimine and can hence protect against the development of allergies
Aids in the manufacture of the hormones adrenaline and cortisone
Promotes healthy gums
Helps regulate cholesterol levels
Detoxifies free radicals
Boosts immune system function
Helps the adrenal glands function properly
Increases the absorption of iron
Studies have shown that vitamin C can help to reduce asthma symptoms
Vitamin C has shown promise protecting against infection, pollution, radiation and cancer
It can also combine with toxins in the body like heavy metals and turn them into harmless substances so they can be eliminated from the body
It is essential in the production of collagen, which are fibers, especially found in the skin and mucous membranes, that provide a firm yet flexible structure
Aids in the formation of bile
Huge amounts of vitamin C are found in the adrenal, pituitary and thymus glands, as well as in the retina in your eyes
Many other organs, like the brain, lungs, liver, spleen, thyroid and the pancreas also contain much higher amounts of C than your blood does
Needed to make carnitine, which is used to help transfer energy to the cells

Symptoms of C Deficiency and Substances That Can Cause A Cause a C Deficiency

Food Sources of Vitamin C

Synthetic vs Natural Vitamin C - Does It Make A Difference?

Camu Camu Berries - One of the Best Sources of Natural Vitamin C

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