The Secrets of Vitamin C

by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 445

Monday, April 14th

Did you know that Vitamin C has the power to protect you against heart disease, cancer, memory loss and wrinkles?! I was amazed when I recently read about the powerful benefits of Vitamin C and wanted to share what I learned. Thanks to both Health and EatingWell magazines, here is the scoop, or squeeze, on Vitamin C.

Looking for beautiful skin? Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I (NHANES I) found that individuals with a higher intake of Vitamin C from food sources (oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes) had a lower risk of wrinkled skin and age-related skin dryness according to Maeve Cosgrove, PhD. The key is that Vitamin C has the ability to fight free radicals. Left unchecked, free radicals will damage our skin by breaking down collagen. There are many products that offer Vitamin C in eye creams, moisturizers and more.

Want to get rid of your cold? The jury still seems to be out on this topic, but there is good evidence that taking Vitamin C early on during your cold can help reduce the cold severity. According to Health magazine and Dr. Mary L. Hardy, the recommended dose to ease cold symptoms is 500 mg twice daily. One study in particular showed that individuals under physical stress and those living in cold climates could cut their colds in half by taking 1,000 mg of Vitamin C daily.

Want to protect your heart? Finnish researchers have seen a 25% decrease in cardiovascular risk by taking 700mg of Vitamin C daily. Vitamin C works in the body by improving the functioning of the cells that line the inside of all our blood vessels. This translates to decreased artery clogging and lowered blood pressure.

Looking to decrease your risk of bladder, esophagus, stomach and lung cancers? Researchers believe there is a strong association with Vitamin C and decreased incidence of these types of cancers. Make sure to get more than five or more fruits and vegetables per day in a variety of colors....think of eating the colors of the rainbow every day!

How about boosting your brain power? According to the Archives of Neurology, pairing Vitamin C and E can result in a 64% decrease in Alzheimer's disease. These antioxidants work together to keep the brain's high fat content safe from free radical attack. Just 500 mg of Vitamin C and 400 IU of Vitamin E seem to be enough to protect your noggin.

Just a few fruits and veggies a day and you can live longer and be stronger!
Great food sources of Vitamin C include: oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, cantaloupe, cauliflower, broccoli, papaya, bell peppers, kiwi and Brussels sprouts.

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