Does Vitamin C Do More Than Get Rid Of A Sneeze?

Vitamin C is one of the first things I use to run to when I would feel a cold or the flu coming on. I knew it was amazing as an immune-strengthening agent but was unsure what else it did after that. I remember writing a science paper and was told to write about something that interested me, and at the time I was curious as to what vitamin C did aside from fighting my cold.

Let’s get into the low down on Vitamin C first, what is it? Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means you do not necessarily (but it is always a good idea too) need to eat with it as it does not require fat for absorption. What your body doesn’t need, it simply dispels.

I Need A Reason To Eat Fruit

Have you ever heard of scurvy? If not I will quickly introduce you to this beautiful condition. Scurvy is basically a condition caused by a deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and causes severe gum bleeding and re-opening of wounds that were previously healed. If you ask me, that is doing a lot more than fighting a common cold or flu, keep reading to see some more health benefits of vitamin C you maybe were not aware of!

Your Heart Really Likes Having Vitamin C Around

So far we know vitamin C is great for your immune system strong and it helps keep your body from feeling the effects of scurvy. Did you know that vitamin C also acts as a very beneficial nutrient for your heart and circulatory system? I was reading a study where higher amounts of vitamin C have been shown to reduce hypertension almost as good as some leading pharmaceuticals!

Aside from fighting back the effects of hypertension, this powerful vitamin also deals with your circulatory system. In fact, levels of vitamin C (I have seen them range from 2500 mg to 7500mg) above the daily recommended value have been shown to help your blood vessels dilate more efficiently. What this could mean is down the road you may have a lower chance of facing something along the lines of angina pectoris or high cholesterol to name a few.

Knowing This About Vitamin C Could Help You Smile Again

Heart health and immunity are some strong reasons to have more of an appreciation for the powers contained in vitamin C; however, it can also help with your mood. Actually, one of the more common symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency, and not as severe normally as scurvy, is depression.

The reason I found that vitamin C helps reduce depression symptoms is through the way this amazing vitamin interacts with serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter helping your body to manage your mood.

Bring A Protein Shake And A Vitamin C Supplement The Next Time You Exercise

Why would you want to take a vitamin C supplement when you exercise? I’ll give you a hint, one of vitamin C’s effects directly relates to a massive health problem in America – obesity! There was a study published within the last 2 years in which two groups trying to achieve weight loss were either given vitamin C or a placebo. The group taking a vitamin C supplement saw on average a 30% increase in fat burning.

I haven’t read a study on it, and this is just a possibility, however many of my personal training clients swear that taking a mixture of l-glutamine and vitamin C makes them rarely feel post-workout soreness. I have heard that from numerous fitness professionals however have not read much about the potential of that from credible sources.

Also Read: 3 Wrong Reasons Used By Doctors To Recommend X-ray Diagnosis