Vitamin C is one of the most well-known vitamins, but many people are unaware of just how many benefits it has to offer. For example, Vitamin C may help with your bone health in the following ways…
This comprehensive article will look at 10 different vitamin c benefits that you may not have previously known about! In addition to that. We’ll take an in-depth look at what these benefits are and how exactly you can utilize them in your day to day life. Are you ready? Here we go!
1) Increases Immunity
A regular intake of vitamin C can help ward off infectious diseases. According to research, people who have high levels of vitamin C in their blood are less likely to contract pneumonia and other respiratory infections than those with low levels.
Vitamin C also assists your immune system by killing infection-causing bacteria that may cause colds and coughs.
Also, when combined with other nutrients such as calcium and zinc, vitamin C helps maintain a healthy immune system during flu season.
2) Prevents Infections
The research is mixed on vitamin C and infections, but many doctors recommend taking it to prevent colds.
It’s likely, however, that you’ll need a significant amount of vitamin C—more than you’d find in a regular multivitamin—to help fend off an infection (you can find some in oranges or orange juice).
In general, if you are healthy and eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, taking a daily multivitamin probably won’t hurt. If you think that supplements could help improve your health or longevity as well, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
There are few side effects associated with high doses of vitamin C (such as nausea or diarrhea), but again, ask first!
3) Treats Acne
It’s not surprising that vitamin C, an antioxidant with immune-boosting properties, is good for your skin. In fact, people have been using it for decades to treat pimples, scaly or dry skin, or acne.
Studies of people who take 600 mg of vitamin C a day (or more) have found that taking it can decrease both the number and severity of zits. It can also improve other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
4) Reduces Stress
Whether you’re at work or school, it’s common to get stressed out by everyday tasks and responsibilities. And while stress may be unavoidable in some cases. There are plenty of things you can do to reduce its effects.
For example, one study found that vitamin C might have an anti-stress effect on students who were under a lot of pressure.
By taking around 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for 30 days, students had less anxiety and felt more enthusiastic about their studies.
On top of that, you can also seek out relaxation methods like yoga and meditation to help relieve your stress!
5) Boosts Energy
Just because you’re sick, doesn’t mean you have to drag yourself through your day. A shortage of vitamin C in your system can leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Take note: Some sources of vitamin C are stronger than others.
Vitamin C supplements are significantly more potent than foods like oranges or strawberries, meaning they can provide a stronger boost of energy when taken in higher quantities.
If you’re trying to lose weight and take a vitamin C supplement with breakfast as part of your morning routine. Choose one that also contains B vitamins, which help convert food into energy instead of storing it as fat.
6) Helps with Weight Loss
It’s no secret that obesity is an epidemic in most developed nations. While eating fewer calories than you burn is a good place to start. When it comes to weight loss, increasing your intake of vitamin C may also help with healthy weight management.
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine found people who took vitamin C supplements. Over a one-month period lost about four more pounds than those who did not take supplements.
The reason behind increased weight loss isn’t clear yet, but there are several theories. For example, vitamin C has been shown to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. Which may promote better long-term health—and lower BMI numbers!
7) Improves Oral Health
Poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of a host of health issues, including cavities and gum disease. When you consume foods rich in vitamin C, it promotes collagen production that strengthens gums and promotes healthier teeth.
The antiseptic properties of vitamin C also protects against gum disease and other mouth infections.
For best results, use a non-abrasive toothbrush. Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleanings. Avoid smoking and consuming acidic foods if you have any dental issues or concerns.
8) Prevents Stretch Marks
If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, vitamin C is a must. During pregnancy, your body’s demand for vitamin C increases by as much as 300 percent.
And while some of that increase can be attributed to all those extra red blood cells and fluids coursing through your system. Approximately half of that surge is thanks to collagen production.
If you don’t have enough vitamin C in your diet—and most people don’t—you’ll find yourself not able to make enough collagen. Which causes stretch marks and other pregnancy changes like joint pain and varicose veins.
9) Speeds up Healing Time After Injuries
Water-soluble vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant. It is an essential vitamin required by humans that helps promote healing after injury, wound healing, and during surgery.
When you have an injury or cut, your body tries to prevent infection by creating scar tissue over it. To do so, it produces collagen to fill in any missing gaps between cells. However, scars aren’t very elastic which makes them tough and inflexible.
Ascorbic acid plays a key role in helping break down these bonds while at the same time encouraging new ones to form – effectively speeding up your body’s natural ability to heal from wounds and injuries.
10) Treats Cold and Flu Faster
If you’re getting sick, reach for vitamin C. Studies show that taking a daily dose (1,000 to 1,500 milligrams) can shorten colds and ease symptoms like body aches, stuffiness, and fatigue—while also reducing your risk of contracting a respiratory infection.
We recommend you chew on an orange or drink some orange juice for quick relief! Just don’t get carried away; taking too much vitamin C (more than 2,000 milligrams a day) may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
And never take more than 500 mg at one time because it could become toxic and give you an upset stomach and diarrhea.