It’s known as the ultimate immune-booster, but vitamin C boasts many more health and wellbeing benefits that will make you want to add it to your morning routine!
HOW MUCH VITAMIN C SHOULD I TAKE PER DAY?
The recommended daily intake for men is about 90g of vitamin C. Any excess can lead to digestive problems, so you’re best to stay within the daily recommended amounts.
1. COLLAGEN BOOSTER
Collagen is the scaffolding or glue that holds our bodies together. Taking vitamin C can help to increase collagen production. More collagen means dewy, plump, younger-looking skin and healthy and strong hair and nails. It also means healthy, strong joints, muscles, bones, and cartilage which means you can keep hitting your favourite workouts!
The role it plays in repairing means that vitamin C is essential if you have an active lifestyle because it can support recovery for less muscle and joint pain and inflammation.
2. ANTI-AGING
Want to look younger? Look to super antioxidant vitamin C.
As we get older, environmental factors like UV and HEV (blue light) rays, pollution, stress, and harsh weather takes their toll on our skin. Over time, they cause free radicals and oxidative stress. This process leads to accelerated aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and sagging skin.
“Vitamin C, also known as l-ascorbic acid, is a highly effective antioxidant that protects against free radicals by neutralizing them,” says Senior Skin Specialist at Vie Derma, Aimee Piper.
3. IMMUNITY ENHANCER
As an antioxidant, vitamin C can help to boost immunity. While it can’t stop you from catching colds and flu, it can reduce the length of time you’re sick.
Vitamin C’s antioxidant-rich properties strengthen your body’s natural defenses which could help to protect against long-term health conditions like stroke, cancer, and heart disease. It can also help with UV protection, although it should never be used as a substitute for SPF.
4. KEEPS YOUR HEART HEALTHY
Thanks to its protective qualities and the support it provides to blood vessels, vitamin C can help to keep your heart healthy and oxygen pumping around your body.
5. ACCELERATES WOUND HEALING
“Vitamin C helps to regenerate the skin and repair broken or damaged cells,” says Piper. “The high acidity of vitamin C means that, when applied, the skin is prompted to naturally repair itself by accelerating the production of collagen and elastin- structural proteins which keep skin healthy.”
6. PROTECTS YOUR MEMORY & BRAIN
Oxidative stress and inflammation on the central nervous system can eventually lead to neurological dysfunctions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. As a strong antioxidant, vitamin C can help to strengthen memory and cognitive function to support thinking as you age.
7. SUPPORTS IRON ABSORPTION
Vitamin C binds to non-heme iron that you get from plant foods to boost nutrition. This is especially important for vegans and vegetarians. With vitamin C, iron is better absorbed by the body to get to work as quickly as possible on essential bodily functions.
VITAMIN SEEKER
With this wealth of health benefits, add vitamin C to your daily routine, either topically, or in a capsule or supplement, and unearth better skin, hair, and nails, sharper thoughts, plus a healthier heart, so you can reach your full potential.
