If you’re an internet person like me, there’s no doubt you must have heard about this really amazing and crucial nutrient. Vitamin C is really the trend right now. Wanna find more about this all-rounder Vitamin? Read on.
So, what actually is vitamin C?
Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is water-soluble in nature. This nutrient dissolves easily in water and is thus delivered to the body’s tissues. It helps your body with its normal course of growth and development. Since it is not well- stored in the body, it is advisable to have a daily intake of vegetarian vitamin c in your routine through diet or supplements.
Vitamin C was discovered in 1832, but even before that, scientists and nutritionists had realized that some components in citrus fruits could help prevent scurvy, a killer disease that led to a huge number of deaths for around three whole decades. Vitamin C is very crucial in preventing infections and healing wounds and is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals. It also plays a pivotal role in making collagen and some chemical messengers in the brain and nerves. Linus Pauling is credited with promoting mega doses of this to prevent some ailments as well as chronic diseases. Mega dosing on vegetarian c is extremely common, but one needs to draw a line between how much is too much and how much is actually needed to keep you healthy? Is it’s overdose harmful? Let’s find out.
Usually, a healthy diet contains vegetarian C in adequate amounts and can be taken up naturally in the form of strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, potatoes, kiwi and lemon, etc. It is usually recommended to take about 65 to 90 milligrams of c in a day to build and maintain a healthy body. The upper limit of intake is usually set as 2000 mg a day for adults. Although C is seldom harmful to you, its intake in extremely high quantities can only lead to nausea, headache, stomach cramps, insomnia, and vomiting.
Some interesting facts regarding vitamin C
- Vitamin A works as an amazing ingredient to help absorb non-heme iron. The type of iron found in plants and leafy vegetables is called non-heme iron. Including vegetarian vitamin C rich foods can help in absorbing iron better.
- Vitamin C can easily be lost, ruptured and destroyed by heat and light. High heat, improper cooking methods and longer cooking times can remove the efficacy and break it down totally. It is therefore important to take C in its raw form.
- As compared to the popular belief, vitamin C doesn’t actually help with common cold and its related ailments. If taken at the start of cold symptoms, C can be instrumental in breaking down and prolonging the effect of cold on your body. But once a cold sets in, vitamin C doesn’t really do a lot to help.
- Did you know that this is also associated with cancer treatment? Well, Not only is this shown to prevent cancer, it is also shown to increase the likelihood of survival during and after treatment. This is due to the fact that C has antioxidants and plays a pivotal role in reducing cell damage.
- It is impossible to store c in your body due to the fact that it is a water soluble vitamin. It only stays inside your body for as long as 24 hours and is generally removed by regular excretion.
- Did you know that c is also an amazing skin care ingredient? Well, vitamin c serums are the new fad on the internet. It is known to be one of the best anti-ageing ingredients in the market to help achieve glowing, even-looking and taut skin. Apart from that, Being an active ingredient, vitamin c is preferred in skin care due to its hydrating nature, brightening effect as well as to improve the skin texture. It is also quite helpful in removing hyperpigmentation in sensitive areas as well as reducing redness.
- Vitamin C has an excellent profile. It usually works for almost every skin type and can be used for longer periods of time without having adverse reactions.
- Vitamin A is also instrumental in aiding fat loss. It actually helps your body in using your fat as a fuel to generate energy for the body. It also helps reduce appetite and manage hunger better. Its consistent use over time can actually help aid weight loss.
- Vitamin C doesn’t mix well with every medication though, 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 C.
Make sure to consult your doctor/pharmacist before mixing vitamin C with other medications.
Final words
Vitamin C is an absolutely amazing nutrient if used right and proper. Being consistent in its daily use can yield results over time. C can be taken daily both in the form of supplements and nutrients to enhance your daily routine and boost your body’s natural process of growth.
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