Eat Vitamin C for a Long Life

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Vitamin C is arguably the best known vitamin but many people misunderstood its value and the daily amount. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that should be included as part of your daily diet. And luckily, as a water-soluble vitamin, too much won't hurt you.

VITAMIN C HEALTH BENEFITS

Vitamin C helps modify precursor proteins in order for collagen production. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is used to make and strengthen skin cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones and teeth. Vitamin C also acts as one of the main antioxidants in the body. It protects cells from potentially damaging by-products. 

  • Strengthens bones
  • Keeps skin healthy
  • Neutralizes harmful chemicals like free radicals
  • Fights the cold
  • Lowers risk of bladder and prostate infections
  • Helps with gum disease and acne

VITAMIN C FOR BRAIN HEALTH 

Vitamin C is necessary to make certain neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are the signals that carry thoughts, feelings, and commands around our brains and throughout our nervous system. Vitamin C has also been shown to help those suffering from depression, thinking problems, dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, physical and mental stress, fatigue and ADHD. 

FOODS RICH IN VITAMIN C

  • Bell Peppers
  • Chili Peppers
  • Papaya
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Pineapple
  • Mango
  • Broccoli
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Kale
  • Kiwis
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

SHOULD YOU TAKE VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTS?

Most experts recommend getting Vitamin C through a high-intake of fruits and vegetables versus supplements. It's always going to be a good idea to receive nutrients from a natural foo source but if you're on-the-go, check with your doctor to see if supplements are something to try. 

TOO MUCH VITAMIN C?

For adults, the recommended dietary intake for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements may cause:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal bloating and cramps
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Kidney stones

As if Vitamin C didn't have enough health benefits, a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate more fruits and vegetables had a 15% lower risk of developing heart disease and 20% lower risk of early death. Researchers analyzed previously collected health data of 100,000 people in Denmark. This data included their food intake and DNA. The connection? The study's author noted it could be due to vitamin C's antioxidant effects, which help protect our cells from damage that cause many diseases including heart disease. 

The link may also be due to vitamin C’s ability to maintain connective tissues that support and connect the organs in our bodies, he says.