C’s the day

C’s the day with vitamin C

It’s a nutrient most people are familiar with, touted to get rid of colds and boost collagen. What can vitamin C do for you? Here are just a few ways that vitamin C helps your body.

Cardiovascular Health. Low levels of vitamin C may be a risk factor for stroke, and higher levels may be helpful for blood pressure control. People with high blood pressure (hypertension) who took vitamin C supplements lowered their blood pressure, according to a research analysis. Research has also found that a daily dose of vitamin C supported the health of the endothelium—the lining of blood vessels—which may boost overall heart health.

Cold Symptoms. An analysis of 72 studies found that regular use of vitamin C supplements may reduce the duration of a cold. Supplements led to about an 8 percent reduction in the duration of cold symptoms for adults and a 14 percent reduction for children.

Collagen Formation. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, giving strength and resilience to connective tissue in blood vessels, bones, cartilage, and skin. Collagen gives skin its youthful appearance and elasticity. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, and tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C’s benefits for skin can be acquired both topically and orally.

Respiratory Health. Research has demonstrated that vitamin C intake may help asthma sufferers reduce the level of drugs needed to control their asthma symptoms. Researchers in London found that patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who had low levels of vitamin C had an increased risk of breathing problems on days when outdoor air pollution levels were high. The researchers noted that this study added evidence that the negative effects of air pollution may be modified by antioxidants like vitamin C.

Stress Support. Research suggests vitamin C may be useful as part of a stress reduction program. One study found that people with higher levels of vitamin C did not show mental and physical signs of stress, and they recovered from stressful situations faster than people with low levels of vitamin C in their blood.

So how do you get your vitamin C? Eating fresh fruit and veggies—like citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, bell peppers, kale, and broccoli—will help you get vitamin C. For a more concentrated dose, such as the therapeutic doses used in many of these studies, consider a good vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids. ●

American Health Ester-C 1000 mg with Bioflavonoids

24 hour immune support.* Patented vitamin C formula. Gentle and non-acidic. With bioflavonoids for added antioxidant support.*