Vitamin C has many important functions in your body. It helps reduce your risk of several different diseases.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a role in numerous functions in your body. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.
It’s naturally found in many food items like orange, amla, cherries, pepper, cantaloupe, parsley, mango, mustard spinach, broccoli, kiwi, Brussels sprout, litchi, and more.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, meaning that it doesn’t get produced naturally in your body. Hence, you have to depend solely on your diet to meet the recommended daily amount.
Without any further ado, let’s discuss some of the main functions of vitamin C in your body.
It boosts immunity
Vitamin C, as research has found, helps aid in the production of white cells in your body (which is directly linked to better immunity). Also, it acts as an antioxidant in the body, protecting you from free radicals and several other issues. It protects your tissues from damage, and also keeps your risk of viral infections at bay.
It maintains skin health
Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis in the body, which further improves your skin’s texture. It also boosts circulation on the skin, promoting your skin’s natural tone to a significant extent. Moreover, it fights off free radical damage, reducing your risk of several skin-related issues.
It supports eye health
Vitamin C forms the collagen which maintains your eyes’ structure and also helps in your vision. It protects the cornea, fighting off the damages of the harmful UV Rays. In the long run, it also reduces your risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and many other eye issues.
It promotes brain functions
Vitamin C plays a major role in your brain’s neurotransmitter synthesis. This is linked to increased brain functions in the long run. Also, it reduces oxidative stress, aiding in your brain health to a great extent. It promotes cognitive skills and also reduces your risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
It improves heart functions
Vitamin C helps relax blood vessels, which further regulates your BP levels, it reduces your levels of LDL cholesterol to a certain extent. Both, in turn, promote the functions of your heart. Also, in the long run, it lowers your risk of developing heart disorders, including a heart attack.
Besides these, it boosts hair growth, lowers uric acid levels, fights off gout attacks, etc.