Vitamin C or ascorbic acid has a wide variety of uses in the body and it is among the safest and most effective nutrients, according to experts.

But unlike most animals, humans cannot produce vitamin C endogenously. This makes vitamin C an essential nutrient that must be obtained from a dietary source.

While it is best to get Vitamin C from food like citrus fruits and vegetables, supplements are also widely available as an option.

 

And although Vitamin C deficiency is rare, the repercussions that come with it are non negotiable.

 

Here are 4 reasons why you should make a good relationship with vitamin C in your diet.

 

1. It supports a healthy immune system

 

For a good reason, vitamin C gets a special health buzz for its immunity-boosting potential.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in our body which are harmful molecules linked to many chronic diseases. According to studies, vitamin C consumption can increase our blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%.

Furthermore, vitamin C is also known to increase the production of white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes which help our body fight infections.

 

 

2. It stimulates collagen synthesis.

 

Vitamin C is a vital molecule for our skin health

Our body depends on vitamin C for the production of collagen, the most abundant protein in our body which plays a major role in connective tissues like those found in our organs and of course, our hair, skin and nails.

You may know collagen as an antiaging holy grail but its skin benefits extend beyond this. A study by Oregon State University shows that increased collagen synthesis can also speed up the healing process of wounds in our body.

 

 

3. It enhances brain function.

 

Vitamin C is important for our brain health and is a key factor for enhanced cognitive performance.

It plays a crucial role in the differentiation and maturation of neurons. According to a 2017 study, higher concentration of vitamin C in the blood is associated with improvements in a number of cognitive domains such as short-term memory, abstract thinking, visuospatial performance and recognition.

 

 

4. It can elevate our mood.

 

In a study conducted in Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, taking 500 mg of vitamin C twice daily for ten days improved the mood of hospital patients by 34%.

While it is impossible to cure mood disturbances through ascorbic acid supplementation alone, studies found that lower status of this vitamin in our body is associated with depression, confusion and anger.

Apparently, free radicals that cause oxidative stress can trigger the development and persistence of depression. Being an excellent antioxidant, Vitamin C can ward off free radicals and modulate their effects in our psychological wellbeing.

 

 

There’s a growing list of health benefits for vitamin C. And despite all the new research on other vitamins and key nutrients, vitamin C is still remaining undefeated in many facets.