6 Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is not just for fending off the common cold, it has many functions within the body. Shutterstock

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can boost your antioxidant levels. Although many think of Vitamin C as just helpful to fight off the common cold, there is much more to this crucial vitamin! Here are a few of the benefits of Vitamin C:

#1 Prevents and Beats the Common Cold

The common cold is caused by respiratory viruses and Vitamin C is shown to reduce the incidence and severity of viral infections.

#2 Increases Mood and Libido

Research shows Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of norepinephrine – a hormone and neurotransmitter that regulates mood and improves energy and alertness.

Vitamin C also stimulates the secretion of oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ which regulates social interaction, pair bonding, and sexual reproduction. In addition, the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C may help ward off feelings of depression and anxiety by reducing the oxidative state in the brain.

#3 Healthy Skin and Hair

Collagen is a structural protein essential for firm, young-looking youthful skin. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen. It also leads to the growth of shiny, healthy, and beautiful hair.

#4 Fights Type 2 Diabetes

Vitamin C decreases TNF-alpha causing an increase in the uptake of glucose in response to insulin. Most Type 2 Diabetics have low levels of Vitamin C and supplementation can lower fasting blood sugar.

#5 Protects Against Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

In CAD, the platelets form a blood clot (thrombosis) within the artery, obstructing the flow of blood to the heart. Nitric oxide has a variety of protective effects on blood vessels and platelets. Vitamin C increases the bioavailability of nitric oxide through its antioxidant activity.