Vitamin C plays an important role in facilitating the growth and repair of tissue throughout the body. Best known for its beneficial effects on the immune system, it also might benefit a number of other conditions, including complications associated with high cholesterol. Your body does not store vitamin C so you need a steady supply daily to ensure adequate levels.
Vitamin C and Heart Health
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that a lack of vitamin C has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, the process where cholesterol in the arteries hardens into a dangerous plaque. The ailment also contributes to high blood pressure, another risk factor for heart attack.
Vitamin C and High Cholesterol
While many vitamins, herbs and other natural supplements have been touted to lower cholesterol, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that vitamin C does not appear to reduce cholesterol levels. Since it can reduce cholesterol buildup in the arteries, however, ensuring adequate vitamin C intake can serve as a valuable addition to your cholesterol management regimen.
Vitamin C and Niacin
Physicians who ascribe to the theory of orthomolecular medicine believe the key to fighting disease lies in providing the body with therapeutic doses of substances naturally found in the body for various functions, such as vitamins.
According to the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, niacin or vitamin B3 has been well-established as a treatment to fight high cholesterol and is available in a prescription form. The news service suggests taking a combination of niacin and vitamin C to lower cholesterol levels. The regimen calls for gradually increasing the dosage of both over the course of three months to reach a dosage of 1,000 milligrams daily of each three times a day. Consult with a qualified health care practitioner for guidance. Note that many in the medical community advise against taking non-prescription niacin for cholesterol management.
Diet vs. Supplementation
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends getting the bulk of vitamin C through diet rather than supplementation. Supplements are beneficial when you need higher doses of a nutrient to exert a therapeutic effect or when you cannot get adequate stores through your diet, but generally, eating foods rich in vitamins and other beneficial substances will offer optimal results.
Sources of Vitamin C
Most fruits and vegetables contain at least some vitamin C, notes MedlinePlus, but certain ones offer particularly rich stores. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, leafy greens, potatoes, cantaloupe, tomatoes, broccoli and green peppers.
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