The Vitamin Addict

One of the most common vitamins known to people everywhere is Vitamin C. We have all heard of it and how important it is to our bodies but do you really know why? What does Vitamin C have that is so important to us anyway? How can we get the Vitamin C that we need each day to remain healthy and strong?

It is a water-soluble vitamin that can only be received from the foods that we eat. Being water-soluble means that it dissolves in water and your body cannot store this type of vitamin. Neither can it produce vitamin C on its own. If you do not replenish your body with vitamin C daily it has no other way to receive this vitamin.

You may also hear vitamin C being referred to as ascorbic acid. Your body needs vitamin C for normal growth and development among other benefits. Vitamin C helps wounds to heal and is great for strong bones, teeth and cartilage plus it helps to repair tissues in your body. The protein collagen is produced by vitamin C. Collagen is used for improving your skin, healing scar tissue, ligaments and tendons. It also is necessary for healthy blood vessels as well. Read on to find out more about the benefits of Vitamin C to your body.

 Benefits of Vitamin C on the Body

Vitamin C provides the body with many other benefits as well. It is a highly effective antioxidant. An antioxidant is nutrients that are needed to help block the damage that can be caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced when your body is transforming food into energy. It helps to protect vital molecules which include proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.

Antioxidants help prevent disease and infection and help you fight infection and viruses that you d catch. You will have fewer colds and flues and similar conditions when you have the proper amounts of Vitamin C. Foods that contain a high source of vitamin C include fruits and vegetables, all leafy greens and citrus fruits or juices.

You can also receive vitamin C from the following foods:

• Green or red peppers
• Tomatoes
• Turnip greens
• Strawberries
• Broccoli
• White potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Cantaloupe
• Cabbage
• Watermelon

There are other sources of vitamin C available as well and you can always use a multivitamin as a supplement. It is very rare to consume too much vitamin C but, if taken in large doses you may experience indigestion or diarrhea. It’s important to be careful not to overdose on any vitamins because even too much of a good thing is dangerous.

Vitamin C Deficiencies  

Deficiencies in vitamin C can lead to many problems. One of the worst diseases caused from vitamin C deficiency is scurvy. However, you don’t hear much about this anymore because over the years people have learned that they need a certain amount of vitamin C to stay healthy. Still, there are other milder conditions that are caused by a vitamin C deficiency. For example, many times people lacking in vitamin C will notice they have dry hair with lots of split ends, rough or dry skin and excessive nose bleeds.

You may also notice that you have frequent bleeding of the gums and your tooth enamel may be weaker than normal. People who suffer from vitamin C deficiencies many notice that they have a hard time fighting off infections or that it takes a long time for wounds to heal.

Anemia, bruising easily and painful swollen joints may also be caused by not receiving enough vitamin C in your diet. It can even contribute to weight gain because having a vitamin C deficiency slows down your metabolism. Therefore, if you are trying to lose weight you may want to make sure you are receiving enough vitamin C every day.