6 impressive benefits of vitamin C
An essential nutrient, vitamin C does a whole lot more than support immune health.
Vitamin C is an essential water soluble vitamin that your body can’t make or store, so it’s important you get the right amount daily.
(You’ve probably heard about scurvy, the disease caused by low levels of vitamin C that affected sailors years ago who didn’t get enough fruit or vegetables on long voyages.)
But loading up on vitamin C-rich foods helps a whole lot more than just your immune system.
Also known as ascorbic acid, the vitamin known as C plays myriad roles in the human body.
1. It helps reduce free radical damage to body cells
Vitamin C is “water soluble” (meaning it dissolves in liquid), so once it enters your bloodstream it can efficiently scavenge the harmful free radicals found in your blood.
When free radicals accumulate, they can promote a state known as oxidative stress.
It’s believed vitamin C’s antioxidant activity can help reduce free radical damage.
2. It supports collagen formation
Vitamin C is a favourite in the beauty industry and has become a skincare staple.
That’s because it plays an important role in maintaining production of collagen – the most abundant protein in our body and the main component of connective tissues such our skin, tendons, muscles and joints.
Collagen is what gives skin its smoothness and elasticity when we are young. But our body’s natural ability to produce collagen decreases by around 1 per cent a year from our mid-20s.
Vitamin C supports collagen formation, which explains its appeal for skincare enthusiasts.
3. It helps protect your peepers
Yep, science has shown that vitamin C can support eye health.
4. It supports absorption of dietary iron
Vitamin C can help the body convert dietary iron that is generally a bit tougher to absorb, such as from plant-based sources. It turns that dietary iron into a form that is easier for your body to soak up.
5. It assists with bruise and wound healing
This comes down to vitamin’s C’s ability to help the body form new collagen, which also plays a role in each stage of repairing the skin and wound healing.
6. It supports immunity
And then of course there’s vitamin C’s much touted immune support.
Studies show vitamin C can reduce the duration and severity of the common cold, and support a healthy immune system.
How to get more vitamin C
Many fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamin C, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, sprouts and capsicum.
Eat them raw or lightly cooked for maximum benefit.
Eating well should give you most of the vitamin C you need, but supplements can be of assistance when dietary intake is inadequate.
Melrose Vitamin C Powders are absorbed more efficiently than traditional tablets and come in the choice of natural orange flavour or flavourless option.
Melrose’s Vitamin C plus Bioflavonoids blend is perfect for supporting a healthy immune system.
Or there’s Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid, an easy to use nutrient powder that’s 100 per cent pure ascorbic acid and flavour-free – so undetectable in water, juice or smoothies.
Super easy to incorporate into your daily routine!
C, it seems, is for crucial.
* This post is brought to you by Melrose Vitamin C Powders. Always read the label. Follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamins can only be of assistance if the dietary vitamin intake is inadequate.
