Ascorbic acid vitamin C can be classified as a water-soluble vitamin, MayoClinic.com explains. This type of vitamin dissolves in water and is not stored in your body. Excess or unused amounts of vitamin C are excreted from your body through urine. Ascorbic acid vitamin C performs various vital functions for your body. Your body's inability to store unused amounts of vitamin C necessitates the need to consume foods or drinks containing vitamin C.
Aids in Proper Brain Function
Vitamin C helps ensure the proper function of your brain, KidsHealth.org notes. Your body would thus benefit from your consumption of foods containing vitamin C such as bell peppers, broccoli, oranges and tomatoes. You may also find ascorbic acid vitamin C in other citrus fruits, as well as in grapes and leafy green vegetables.
Facilitates the Growth and Repair of Tissue
Your body uses vitamin C to promote the tissue growth throughout various parts of the body, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, explains. Ascorbic acid vitamin C is an essential component in collagen formation. Collagen is a protein that your body can utilize to make things such as your blood vessels, ligaments, skin and tendons. Vitamin C also facilitates the repair of tissue such as bone, cartilage and skin.
Helps in Iron and Calcium Absorption
Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, MayoClinic.com explains. Your body needs iron in your blood to help facilitate oxygen distribution. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb calcium, KidsHealth.org notes. Your body needs calcium to fortify your bones and skeletal structure as a whole.
Possible Role in Boosting Immune Response
There is ongoing research aimed at verifying the possible role that vitamin C plays in boosting your immune response, MayoClinic.com explains. Vitamin C has been used as a means of either curing or preventing the common cold. Although the evidence remains inconclusive, taking vitamin C everyday would certainly be beneficial.
Shields Cells from Free Radical Damage
Vitamin C is a kind of antioxidant, the New York Times Health Guide explains. Antioxidants can protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Your body produces free radicals as a consequence of converting food into energy. Vitamin C may play a role in preventing you from developing cancer or heart disease. This is because vitamin C helps prevent the harmful accumulation of free radicals over time. Vitamin C also protects your cells from getting damaged by cigarette smoke and other pollutants.
Vital to Having Healthy Bones and Blood Vessels
Your body needs vitamin C to ensure you have healthy bones and blood vessels, MedlinePlus explains. Your body utilizes vitamin C to repair and maintain bones and blood vessels.
Member Comments