Vitamin C is a water-soluble essential vitamin, meaning your body can neither synthesize it nor store it.
In order to meet your daily requirements of Vitamin C, you need to take adequate amounts of Vitamin-C rich foods or supplements.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to Scurvy – a disease that weakens your teeth and bones.
The most abundant food sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kale, and grapefruit.
Want to learn why this essential vitamin is so essential?
Following are the top 5 reasons to take Vitamin C every day.
1. Boosts immune system
Vitamin C works as an immunity booster in our body. It does so by facilitating the production of white blood cells, which are the frontrunners of our body’s natural defence system [1].
Also, vitamin C protects your body from toxic chemicals like free radicals, which have a role in preventing chronic diseases, including cancer [2].
2. Improves heart health
Scientists have discovered that people who took 700mg Vitamin C daily were less prone to heart disease than the ones who didn’t [3]. It is thought to improve heart health by lowering the blood cholesterol level. More so, vitamin C also reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in our body and increases good cholesterol.
3. Improves iron levels in the body
Do you know that vitamin C is responsible for iron absorption in our bodies? It does so by converting iron into a form that can be absorbed easily [4]. Vitamin C supplements are also given in the treatment of a common iron deficiency disease known as anemia.
4. Prevents aging
As we age, our brain cells start to diminish. That’s the reason why the elderly are more in the state of confusion and poor memory. They forget things earlier than adults [5].
Vitamin C plays a vital role in retaining brain function. Studies have shown that people with low levels of Vitamin C forget things faster and are more vulnerable to suffer from dementia, a condition associated with poor memory [6].
5. Makes your skin healthy and glowing
This is probably the most popular health benefit of Vitamin C. From cleansers to serums, moisturizers, to toners, and even facials, Vitamin C is everywhere. It’s because Vitamin C has a prominent role in improving your skin health and making it tight and smooth [7].
Dose
The Lower limit of Vitamin C varies from 65-90 mg per day [8].
However, you may take 2000 mg Vitamin C per day as its overdose is rare [9].
Bottom line
A glass of orange juice is can fulfil the daily requirements of Vitamin C. You can also maintain your daily levels with Vitamin C supplements.
