Your immune system serves as the body’s team of heroic defenders against bacteria, viruses and other threats; for this to work properly they need to remain at top form.

Vitamin C is an antioxidative with powerful effects. It aids the functioning of many immune cells while protecting them from oxidative stress caused by certain inflammatory pathways.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is perhaps one of the best-known and widely taken vitamins available, providing immunity-enhancing support and people have been taking it regularly since antiquity. But why does Vitamin C play such an important role?

Vitamin C can be found in oranges and can help shorten the duration of a cold. But did you also know that Vitamin C could also help protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia? Just one of its many advantages.

Vitamin C plays an essential role in the body, such as its skin, bones, muscles, blood vessels and eyes. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties make it an invaluable antioxidant protector against free radical damage, as well as being capable of producing alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E).

Research has also demonstrated the beneficial properties of Vitamin C to decrease both the duration and severity of colds and flu, and may protect against oxidative stress-related diseases. Furthermore, Vitamin C increases iron absorption as well as promotes production of nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels to decrease blood pressure.

Vitamin C can be found in numerous food products and dietary supplements, and humans cannot synthesize it endogenously, thus classifying it as an essential nutrient. Most Americans consume adequate levels of Vitamin C through their diet; however, due to its non-colorful foods (which often include Vitamin C). Many Americans may overlook Vitamin C’s role as an important nutrient source due to the color variation among its sources (which often tends to be less vibrant than others). Vitamin C is water soluble and should only be eaten raw, to preserve its effectiveness. You can find fortified juices containing Vitamin C in stores or add it to some breakfast cereals; any dietary supplements should always be recommended by a qualified healthcare provider (e.g. a registered dietitian).

Vitamin C Rich Foods

Humans cannot produce vitamin C themselves, so it’s vital that we consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables in order to fulfill daily requirements of this essential nutrient. Citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes (with or without juice), potatoes red peppers strawberries cantaloupe and guava are excellent sources of Vitamin C.

Foods rich in vitamin C should ideally be eaten raw to maximize their nutritional benefits; cooking or long storage periods can diminish their vitamin C content significantly. As this vitamin is water soluble, some may leach out when heated while some will evaporate into cooking broths or liquids during preparation. Microwaving or steaming vegetables or fruit that contains plenty of vitamin C could help minimize this loss; additionally consuming small doses throughout the day ensures adequate absorption.

Vitamin C not only boosts immunity but is also an antioxidant that can protect against free radical formation in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and tissues, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease or cancer; Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants which can neutralize them.

Vitamin C has also been demonstrated to lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood. While evidence supporting this claim varies, and researchers remain unclear whether this resulted from exposure to vitamin C alone or was the result of other aspects of diet.

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that people who consume an assortment of fruits and vegetables regularly are at reduced risk of dying from heart disease than those who don’t, perhaps due to vitamin C’s ability to limit carcinogenic nitrosamine formation, modulate immune system responses, and attenuate oxidative damage caused by low density lipoproteins which is commonly linked with cardiovascular illness [1,2].

Vitamin C Rich Supplements

Vitamin C is widely recognized for its essential role in aiding body growth and repair, healing wounds quickly, and keeping skin looking its best. Furthermore, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect the body against damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals – produced both naturally by our bodies when breaking down food as well as environmental pollution such as tobacco smoke and radiation exposure – that are produced when our bodies break down food as well as from environmental pollutants like tobacco smoke and radiation exposure. Free radicals have been linked with cancer, heart disease and arthritis– three major health conditions can result from exposure.

Registered dietitian Devon Peart, RD states that vitamin C can be found in many fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, lemons), strawberries, mango, watermelons, cantaloupe, red and green peppers tomatoes leafy greens juices cereals fortified with vitamin C as well as supplements available commercially.

People who fail to consume enough vitamin C-rich food may not get all of their needed vitamins. Furthermore, certain medical conditions can result in low levels of this essential nutrient; severe intestinal malabsorption, cachexia and end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis are just a few examples that could reduce absorption of this important nutrient.

Vitamin C has long been touted for its ability to prevent and treat various diseases and conditions, yet not all claims made about it are supported by strong evidence. While taking vitamin C may shorten the duration and severity of colds, there is no conclusive proof it can actually prevent one.

Studies have revealed that high intakes of vitamin C could reduce the risk for certain cancers, including those of the mouth, lungs, colon and larynx; it also helps ease symptoms associated with cancer treatments like chemotherapy and reduce recovery times from such treatments. While vitamin C’s anti-tumor properties have garnered much interest as an anti-cancer agent, further investigation must take place before its potential as an oncology treatment can be assessed; in addition, its interaction with certain medications such as retinoids and antibiotics means individuals receiving chemotherapy should discuss their vitamin C consumption with their oncologist prior to making any decisions regarding its usage as part of their chemotherapy regime.

Vitamin C Rich Drinks

Vitamin C is an invaluable micronutrient that can help fight everything from the common cold to COVID-19 infections. As an antioxidant, it protects cells from free radical damage while aiding metabolism of proteins and iron absorption by the body. Furthermore, Vitamin C forms collagen (a protein essential for wound healing), is vital in wound repair processes, and boosts immunity by creating more white blood cells – the ideal way to get your daily dosage is drinking orange juice or taking supplements daily.