Vitamin C a water-soluble vitamin, aids the synthesis of collagen which strengthens muscles, blood vessels and bones

Vitamin C - one of the most underrated body building nutrition, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in countless biochemical reactions within the body and must not be under-estimated. Vitamin C also index as Ascorbic Acid, it cannot be stored by the body and this water-soluble vitamin must be replenished daily.

1. The best function of this water-soluble Vitamin C is the formation of collagen, a protein substance that that keep cell together, strengthens muscles, bones and blood vessels of the body. This water-soluble vitamin also aids in the followings:
    
2. Vitamin C plays an important role promoting the healing of cuts, abrasions, wounds and as a natural antihistamine.
    
3. The natural antioxidant properties of Vitamin C helps regulate cholesterol level and inhibits conversion of irritants in smog and tobacco smoke into cancer-causing free radicals. Also keeping blood cells from becoming deformed from the toxins in the air which can cause cancer.
    
4. This water-soluble Vitamin C appears to lower the risk of developing cataracts and clouding of the lens of the eye that impairs vision.
   
   NOTE: Evidence indicates that Vitamin C levels in the eye also decrease with age.
5. Vitamin C may help to reduce accumulation of sorbitol in eyes, nerves and kidneys of people with diabetes and protect diabetics against such deterioration.
    
6. This water-soluble Vitamin C may help protect the body against accumulation or retention of lead in the blood – a toxic mineral.

Water-soluble Vitamin C

Mild and early signs of Vitamin C deficiency are fatigue, easy bruising, bleeding gums, capillary weakness, skin hemorrhages, muscular pain and greater susceptibility to infection. Resistance to all infections, toxic effect of drugs and environmental pollution will be very low. Prolong deficiency of this water-soluble Vitamin C may lead to scurvy which is dangerous.

People at risk of the followings, should consult their doctor before supplementing with Vitamin C.

• People with history of kidney stones or kidney failure.
• People with glucose-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and
• Iron overload.

Vitamin C can be found in fruit and vegetable and they are:

• Vitamin C in fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, pears, bananas, melons, papayas, strawberries, mangos, blackberries, blueberries, kiwis, pineapples, watermelons, raspberries, cranberries, cantaloupes, rose hips, acerola cherries.
   
• Vitamin C in vegetables: asparagus, broccoli, green peppers, red peppers, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, squash, peas, turnips, turnip greens, onions, corn, pumpkins, carrots, parsley, sauerkraut.

To get the full benefits from this water-soluble Vitamin C from fruit and vegetable, you will have to eat it fresh. Cooking in water will lose Vitamin C rapidly and so if it has to be cooked, it should be done over water (in double boiler).

Food for thought:

• Non-smoking men and women: 90–125 mg. Vitamin C per day is recommended for optimum reduction of chronic disease risk.
• Smoker usually have low level of Vitamin C in their and may need additional supplementation to maintain optimum level of Vitamin C.
• Taking large amount of Vitamin C can deplete the body of an essential nutrient – copper and it is essential to maintain adequate copper intake.
• Risk of gallstone for women who have lower blood levels of Vitamin C.

You will see yourself aging faster if you are deficient of this essential water-soluble vitamin and so take your Vitamin C, if you value your looks.

IMPORTANT:
Adopt a balance approach in body building nutrition and supplement with a body building workout routine.

Disclaimer:
The information presented is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease nor a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice.

It is presented for information purposes, to increase the public knowledge of developments and should not be adopted without a consultation with your health professional.

Page topic – Vitamin C