Vitamin C is a common vitamin that your mom probably told you to take to not get sick. It is one of the most searched vitamins online. Do you know why?
Other than the fact there are so many uses for it, it helps your entire body, and it has two names (the other being ascorbic acid,) there can’t be much to know… right?
That might not be the case. Read on to learn a few more facts about vitamin C!
Helps Cure Anemia
Anemia occurs when there is a lack of iron in the blood. Most anemics feel tired and crave ice for seemingly no reason.
One type of iron, called nonheme isn’t always absorbed well or at all during digestion. The presence of vitamin C increases absorption because it combines with the iron to form a totally different compound.
Reduces Effects of Aging
If you’re noticing a few signs of aging, particularly wrinkles, listen up! Vitamin C is great for collagen regeneration. Aside from smoothing out a few wrinkles, it may also help with arthritis.
When less collagen is in the body, your bones and joints tend to rub together creating aches and pains. This pain is a classic symptom of arthritis and can be lessened with a daily dose of ascorbic acid.
Plays Major Part in Healing
Before antibiotics, many doctors used vitamin C to help heal the sick. In the 1940’s, a doctor by the name of Frederick Klenner cured chicken pox, tetanus, mumps, measles, and polio–all with the use of vitamin C therapy.
As discussed above, vitamin C regenerates collagen in bones, joints, and the face. This means it is also beneficial for injuries and wounds.
Only Stays in System for 24 Hours
Vitamin C is water soluble so it’s almost impossible to overload your system. If you do happen to consume too much of the vitamin at once, you will just excrete it by urination.
This also means that you can’t take this vitamin once a week and expect for it to have a residual effect. You have to take it every day to see effects.
Debate on the Common Cold
If you start taking vitamin C religiously at the start of cold and flu season, it might be futile. There is still a debate amongst doctors as to whether vitamin C actually prevents a cold.
Luckily, it still serves a purpose. Taking vitamin C before a cold is shown to decrease the length and severity of it, but it’s no help once the cold has set in.
It Was Documented Hundreds of Years Ago
Scurvy was an illness that most sailors faced from lacking fruits and vegetables. For a long time, no one knew how to treat it. Eventually, around 1747, a breakthrough was made.
A doctor was successful in treating 12 sick sailors with citrus fruits. It was the only effective treatment and eventually gave sailors the nickname, “limey.” This came from sucking on limes through their voyage to prevent the illness.
Shown to Prevent Cancer
In many studies, there has been a link between cancer prevention and vitamin C. It relates to the fact that vitamin C is an anti-oxidant which reduces cell damage.
Not only is this vitamin shown to prevent cancer, it is also shown to increase the likelihood of survival during and after treatment.
Aids in Fat Loss
Vitamin C is required for proper metabolism of fat. The vitamin basically allows your body to use fat as fuel instead of eating it in other forms.
It’s also been shown that vitamin C can also help in reducing your appetite, coincidentally leading to weight and fat loss. This is only the case over a period of time with steady use.
Vitamin C Isn’t Exclusively Found in Citrus
Though citrus fruits were first used to treat scurvy, this vitamin is not limited to oranges, lemons, limes, and the like. It is actually found in higher concentration outside of the citrus family.
Guava actually ranks to be number one in Vitamin C. Here are a few other surprising fruits and vegetables that beat out the beloved citrus family:
- Black Currants
- Red Peppers
- Kiwis (not actually a citrus)
- Green Peppers
- Strawberries
- Papaya
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Brussel Sprouts
- Peas
The list goes on almost indefinitely, but this goes to show you it can be gleaned from a variety of food sources.
It Doesn’t Mix Well With All Medications
Not every vitamin should be mixed with every medication. Certain medicines like NSAIDs, Niacin, prescribed hormones, as well as medications for blood clotting, and some anti-depressants shouldn’t be combined with a high dose of vitamin C.
Consult with your pharmacist before combining medicines and vitamin C. It may decrease how effective they are or make them overly powerful.
Other Interesting Facts About Vitamin C
- You’re unlikely to ever become deficient because of the fact humans get this vitamin from food. However, it is possible, especially if you’re a smoker, elderly, or in poor health.
- Vitamin C, instant coffee, and washing soda can be used together to develop black and white film.
- The most vitamin C a person should take per day is 2000 mg. This number is quite high, and the average adult should take 65-90 mg per day.
- Humans, primates and guinea pigs are the only mammals unable to produce their own vitamin C.
- Too much vitamin C can have unpleasant side effects including diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn.
Final Thoughts on Vitamin C
Vitamins and minerals are severely underrated in the medical community. The facts about vitamin C point toward untapped benefits with few drawbacks.
Many doctors steer away from focusing on vitamins and nutrients because they don’t work as fast as their pharmaceutical cousins. If you’re willing to take some time, learn what you need, and take them routinely, you’ll see many benefits.
It can be difficult getting the proper amount of vitamin C and other minerals through diet alone; eating properly isn’t always easy or an option. Supplements are a great option to fill in the gap.
When used correctly under the supervision of a professional, vitamins can help you can feel great with only a slim chance of interaction with your medication. Check out our immune support collection at our BodylogicMD shop.
