Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient that our bodies require to function optimally. Evidence shows that vitamin C is essential for maintaining our overall health and preventing chronic diseases.

One of the most significant benefits of vitamin C is its ability to protect our arteries and blood vessels, reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases.

What are Arteries?

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Healthy arteries are critical for our overall health and wellbeing.

However, several factors can cause damage to the arterial walls and weaken them, leading to various cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

Role of Vitamin C in Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our arteries from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cellular DNA and lead to various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin C helps maintain the integrity of arterial walls and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C also has a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a vital protein that makes up the connective tissues, including arterial walls.

Research has found that low levels of vitamin C can lead to collagen breakdown, weakening the arterial walls and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin C has also been found to improve endothelial function. The endothelium is the inner lining of the arterial walls responsible for regulating blood flow and preventing blood clotting.

Dysfunction of the endothelium can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that vitamin C can improve endothelial function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that our bodies cannot store it. As a result, we need to replenish our daily intake of vitamin C regularly. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults is 75-90mg per day.

However, several factors like smoking, stress, and illness may increase the body’s demand for vitamin C.

The best sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, and guava are some of the best sources of vitamin C.

Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach are also excellent sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin C Supplementation

While a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin C, vitamin C supplements are also available in the market.

Vitamin C supplements come in various forms like tablets, capsules, powders, and effervescent tablets. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality supplement that meets your daily requirement of vitamin C.

It’s important to note that excessive consumption of vitamin C supplements can cause adverse effects like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Therefore, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.

Conclusion

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that plays numerous roles in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. It’s especially crucial for protecting our arteries from damage and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

A healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables is the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin C. However, vitamin C supplementation can also be an option for those who cannot meet their daily requirement through diet alone.