Ascorbic acid is an acidic sugar with a wide range of positive effects and functions in the body. This sugar, more commonly known as vitamin C, is an essential compound required by the body. Like all vitamins, it needs to be consumed in small amounts, but because the body neither creates nor stores this substance, its recommended daily intake is the highest among all vitamins. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends adult males consume a minimum daily amount of 90 mg; female adults should get 75 mg of vitamin C.
The Antioxidant Shield
One of the most buzzed-about topics in the world of health is antioxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenes and other molecules all belong to this group. An antioxidant is, at its core, a molecule that inhibits oxidization, a process that creates free radicals. Although oxygen is required by most forms of life, it is also highly reactive and can easily damage cells in the form of free radicals. These molecules are responsible for aging, cancer, heart disease and inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Vitamin C helps slow the buildup of these molecules and even fights off toxic substances and pollution.
The Repair Hammer
Collagen, used mainly as a component of skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels, is formed by a group of natural proteins. Of all the proteins that help form the human body, collagen is the most abundant. Although vitamin C is not used in large amounts when collagen is synthesized, its role in the process is essential. Without vitamin C, the body would not be able to make collagen. Cells in the body need to be replaced often, even more so in tissues like skin. This makes a constant process of synthesizing collagen necessary for the body.
The Healing Touch
When damage occurs to the wall of a blood vessel, it is repaired by clots intended to stop bleeding. After the bleeding has ceased, it is possible for repairs to start on the damaged section of the blood vessel. This intricate process designed both to stop bleeding and repair tissue is referred to as coagulation and needs vitamin C to function successfully. Another process that requires vitamin C is the repair and maintenance of cartilage. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that is not as rigid as bones but is less pliable than muscle. It can be found in many parts of the body, including the joints between bones, the rib cage, the ear and the nose. Vitamin C is also needed to maintain and repair teeth and bones.
The Happy Molecule
Neurotransmitters are chemicals used in the brain for communication between neurons. These chemicals are known to affect mood in humans. Of these chemicals, the ones most strongly associated with mood include endorphin, serotonin and norepinephrine. Vitamin C plays a critical role in making norepinephrine.
Member Comments