Vitamin C offers a whole range of health benefits. It helps in maintaining the balance in ligaments, tendons and other  tissues. It is commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as potatoes. Vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties and is known to help fight the symptoms of ageing. It also helps to protect blood cells from toxic substances found in the air which can cause cancer.

Vitamin C Functions
The most important benefit offered by vitamin C is collagen formation. Collagen is essentially a protein substance that helps keep all the cells together. Vitamin C aids in the formation of collagen. Without vitamin C, the formation of collagen is interrupted. Vitamin C is present and active within the cell wall where it aids in modifying pro-collagen into collagen.

Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron. Iron is essential to keep us healthy and vibrant. It maintains a healthy and clear skin, fresh complexion and healthy gums and teeth. It offers a healthy functioning for all glands and organs including adrenal and thyroid glands. It also aids in relieving all sort of stress, both physical and psychological.

No research has shown any effective result in treating common cold symptoms by using vitamin C supplements.

Vitamin C Deficiency
So, we can easily understand that vitamin C is important to our health system. Vitamin C benefits in various aspects. A deficiency in vitamin C may result in soft gums, skin hemorrhages, collagen deformation, Achilles’ heel, anaemia, and slow healing. If your diet lacks vitamin C, you may well find yourself ageing a bit quicker than you had hoped!

Deficiency in vitamin C may also lead to weak immune system, so resistance to all diseases becomes very low.

Availability
Mostly you can obtain vitamin C from citrus foods such as oranges, limes and grapefruits. You can get vitamin C benefits from vegetables such as tomatoes, green peppers and potatoes. Vitamin C is also available in various foods such as cantaloupes, honeydew melon, red peppers, strawberries, mandarin orange, mangoes and kiwifruits. However, the essential nutrient quality of vitamin C can easily be damaged during food processing. The quality can also be harmed if the vegetables are submerged in the water for too long.

So, it is always better that you use fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables as much as possible to receive maximum vitamin C value.

Precaution
Vitamin C plays a significant role in a healthy diet. However, excess intake is not remmended. If taken in excessive amounts, it may cause damage to health.

So for a lifetime of fitness and health make sure that vitamin C is included in your diet ……… but don’t overdo it!!