27
Jan
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is one of the essential vitamins, meaning that the body cannot produce it. Therefore, you have to get from the food and more from the fruits. Apart from just being one of the essential, there are many health benefits, and that’s why it is important to everyone.
But what are the main health benefits of vitamin C? Well, it is essential for the production of collagen, which improves skin health, neurotransmitters biosynthesis and more.
Here are 10 scientifically proven health benefits of Vitamin C:
1. Treats And Prevents Cancer
Extensive research on vitamin C has proven that this vitamin can be used for the treatment of cancer. Scientists suggest that by using high doses of vitamin C, cancer cells can die. Scientists have proven the cancer curative abilities of vitamin C on a mouse with blood cancer. The result shows that when a mouse was given an injection with high doses of the vitamin, the number of cancer cells declined. Some studies also indicate that people with higher levels of vitamin C have lower possibilities of getting some types of cancer.
2. Improves/Maintains Memory
Studies also prove that the intake of Vitamin C plays a significant role in maintaining memory. For instance, Dr Dale Bredesen, a researcher at the University of California Los Angeles, suggests that Vitamin C is one of the best supplements in treating diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Also, Vitamin C improves the memory of an animal when exposed to an environment where there is much smoke. The main reason may be because Vitamin C can prevent the damage of a specific part of the brain that helps in memory retention.
3. Fights High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the biggest concerns in the world. However. Vitamin C can help alleviate the harsh effects of this condition. When a person suffering from high blood pressure take Vitamin C supplement, their blood vessels widen hence reducing the level of pressure through which blood is travelling in the blood vessels. Besides, studies have shown that taking Vitamin C supplements reduces both systolic and diabolic blood pressure by around 3.84 mmHg and 1.48 mmHg, respectively.
4. Prevents Diseases

Humans are constantly affected by many diseases including infections and chronic diseases. Medical researchers have proved that the intake of Vitamin C as a supplement improves the immune system. It acts as an antioxidant that increases the body’s defence system. They do this by eliminating free radicals that are the leading cause of illnesses. When Vitamin C enters the blood, it destroys the free radicals from the cells. Notably, consuming Vitamin C supplements increases the level of blood antioxidants by over 30 per cent.
5. Prevents Gout Attacks
One of the most painful conditions that many people suffer from is arthritis. Gout is a type of arthritis that affects adults. The leading cause of this condition is the presence of excess uric acid in the human blood. When the level of uric acid rises in the blood, they get deposited at the joints causing swelling and severe pain. By consuming, Vitamin C, the levels of uric acid will reduce fundamentally in human blood.
6. Prevents Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron is essential in the manufacture of red blood cells in the human body. Without sufficient iron, the body will have very few red blood cells that can lead to conditions such as anaemia. Taking Vitamin C supplements will significantly increase the iron absorption in the body. Vitamin C catalyses the absorption of Vitamin C in the body. Consequently, this increases the generation of red blood cells in the human body. Vegetarians should take Vitamin C rich foods or supplements to increase the rate of absorption of iron into their bodies.
7. Improves Immunity
Essentially, the intake of Vitamin C in the body is very beneficial in many ways. For instance, Vitamin C plays a significant role in the production of lymphocytes and phagocytes, which protect the body from diseases. The more white-blood-cells you have in the blood, the higher the immunity of the body. Besides, it prevents the white blood cells from attacks from free radicals. Also, due to its antioxidant properties, it can protect human skin from attacks. Through these abilities, it can heal wounds.
8. Prevention Of Common Cold

People have used Vitamin C to treat the common cold for a very long period. Studies done at various research institutions suggest that consuming between 500 milligrams to 2,000 milligrams every day keeps cold away. Other research findings indicate that Vitamin C is more effective in individuals under physical stress. Therefore, people residing in frigid regions should develop the habit of consuming Vitamin C rich foods or supplements regularly. However, the studies refute the claims that Vitamin C can cure cold. No one has discovered the cure for the common cold.
9. Reduces Risk Of Developing Cataracts
Cataracts frequently affect people who are aged 40 years and above. Cataracts obscure the natural lens on the human, causing critical vision loss on older people. People with this condition cannot drive, are affected by bright lights, and unable to differentiate colours. A finding made by researchers from King’s College in London shows that increased intake of Vitamin C supplements reduces the chances of one getting cataracts. Therefore, people should consume Vitamin C supplements for healthier eyes.
10. Improves Dental Health
Many germs can affect human teeth if a person does not give proper dental care to them. These germs can lead to complications such as gingivitis, periodontal disease and more. Medical Researchers advise that people should take Vitamin C supplements regularly to protect their teeth from gingivitis. The intake Vitamin C increases the number of blood vessels in the teeth, making them stronger.
In conclusion, vitamin C is essential for a properly functioning body. You need to eat a lot of fruits and foods rich in Vitamin C to enjoy these benefits. Add apple, chilli pepper, guavas, thyme, vegetables and herbs to your diet since they are rich ascorbic acid. However, we recommend that you get regular medical checkups to help identify signs of vitamin C deficiency.