7 Amazing Health Benefits of Vitamin C Everyone Should Know

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin with antioxidant properties.

It can be found in a number of fruits and vegetables, for example citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), strawberries, peppers, spinach, cabbage, leafy greens, and tomatoes, to name a few.

Here's a good overview.

This water-soluble vitamin is well known for its role in supporting a healthy immune system. But the benefits don't end here.

Vitamin C is important for a number of body functions, including the formation of collagen, absorption of iron, and the maintenance of healthy bones and cartilage. It is also known to reduce symptoms of tiredness and fatigue, making it a great tool to fight the winter blues.

Here are 7 benefits, pros, and advantages of taking a vitamin C supplement.

1. Supports energy-yielding metabolism

Vitamin C is known to support a normal energy-yielding metabolism.

Basically, that means that vitamin C helps our body efficiently convert the food and drinks we consume into energy. Vitamin C also plays a role in improving the absorption of other vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients to keep our bodies functioning.

2. Supports the immune system

One of the most common reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity. Many studies have examined the link between vitamin C intake and common colds.

One study concluded:

"The results indicated that regular vitamin C supplementation (at an average dose of 1-2 g/day) resulted in a significant reduction in the duration of common colds, an 8% reduction for adults and 14% reduction for children. The severity of cold symptoms was also reduced."

3. Supports gum and teeth health

Oral health is often underrated. But actually is no less important than the health of the rest of your body.

In this context, it's good to remember that vitamin C plays an important role for collagen synthesis, which in turn is responsible for building healthy tissues, including gum tissues.

Low levels of vitamin C have been linked to a higher risk of developing periodontitis, and having low levels of vitamin C also makes the reversal of such conditions more difficult.

4. Reduces tiredness and fatigue

Are you often feeling stressed and tired? Then you might consider adding some extra vitamin C to your diet.

When you’re stressed, your body begins to use more vitamin C than usual. As there's a number of problems associated with vitamin C deficiency, including fatigue and poor mood, getting sufficient amounts of this nutrient is important around the year.

Your mood and energy levels are not linked to vitamin C alone, but vitamin C is one of the many pieces in a bigger puzzle. If you are struggling with low energy, check out our article 4 Ways To Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder as well.

5. Supports healthy skin 

Vitamin C plays an important role for our skin health.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which makes it a popular component of many cosmetics.

It protects your cells from being damaged by free radicals produced by environmental toxins, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, or excess sunlight.

New tissue growth requires an effective synthesis of collagen, and that's exactly where vitamin C plays an essential role. Besides promoting healthy skin in general, vitamin C also supports the healing of cuts and wounds.

6. Improves hair growth 

Low intake of Vitamin C is linked to a number of hair-related problems like dry hair and split ends. These conditions are unfavorable for the regular growth of hair and eventually lead to hair loss.

Vitamin C protects your hair from oxidative stress and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin C also helps absorb iron, which is essential for hair growth. Last but not least, vitamin C supports collagen formation which in turn helps your hair become stronger.

7. Helps prevent iron deficiency 

As you can see, vitamin C comes with a plethora of benefits on its own. In addition, vitamin C helps our body absorb other vital nutrients. One of them is iron.

Iron is important as it helps to preserve many vital functions in the body.

The health benefits of iron include:

• Treating anemia
• Boosting hemoglobin
• Reduction of fatigue
• Improves muscle endurance
• Boosts immunity
• Reduces bruising

In order to increase iron absorption, it is recommended to include foods high in vitamin C in your diet.

Why you should consider a (natural) Vitamin C supplement

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. As it is not stored by our body, it needs to be consumed on a daily basis.

Vitamin C supplements are a simple and effective way to boost your vitamin C intake, especially if you struggle to get enough of this vital nutrient from your diet (due to stress, illness, or a hectic lifestyle).

Studies suggest that food-derived vitamin C is better absorbed by the human body than synthetic ascorbic acid. That's why our highly effective Vitamin C Complex is formulated with all-natural superfood fruit extracts, including rose hips, acerola cherries, camu camu extract, and citrus bioflavonoid.