Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for at least three hundred metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and healthy gums. It also aids in the production of antistress hormones and interferon, an important immune system protein and id needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C can reduce symptoms of asthma. It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer, protects against infection, and enhances immunity. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. It can combine with toxic substances , such as certain heavy metals , and render them harmless so that they can be eliminated from the body.

This vitamin may also reduce levels of low density proteins, (LDL, the so called "bad cholesterol" ), while increasing the high levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL or "good cholesterol"), as well as lowering high blood pressure and helping to prevent atherosclerosis. Essential in the formation of collagen, vitamin C protects against abnormal blood clotting and bruising, may reduce the risk of cataracts, and promotes healing of wounds and burns. It may even boost your love life by causing more of the hormone oxytocin to be released.

Vitamin C has also been useful in managing Helicobactor Pylori(commonly known as H. Pylori), it is a bacteria that grows in the stomach and may result in pain , gas, and bloating. Because the body cannot manufacture Vitamin C, it must be obtained through diet or in the form of supplements.