Vitamin C
"Limeys" for the British sailors
What are the functions of vitamin C in the body?
Vitamin C plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and preventing disease. All body processes and diseases are somehow influenced by vitamin C. Vitamin C influences the body in a variety of ways. The four most noted functions that vitamin C affect are:
- Antioxidantactivity: When vitamin C is digested, it becomes a water soluble antioxidant. Because it is in the water soluble state can directly affect the molecules located in the body which are highly reactive, and known for causing tissue damage. They are also known for advancing the aging process, and can also cause cancer.
- Collagen synthesis: Collagen is the essential part of connective tissue. Connective tissue is needed to keep the body together. The skin, bones, teeth, blood vessels, cartilage, tendons and ligaments all rely on collagen. Lack of collagen results in hemorrhage, bleeding gums, bruising, loose teeth, and for bones to fracture.
- The cardiovascular system: When the body's arteries become clogged, there isn't enough blood flow to the heart which results in a heart attack. Vitamin C can actually reduce the accumulation of the blockage. It can be thought of as a type of "Drain-o" forarteries. It cleans the arteries, and allows a healthy flow of blood to the heart.
- The immune system: The immune system main operation is to protect the body from foreign substances or toxins. Vitamin C is involved with white blood cells. The white blood cells job is to monitor various disease conditions. A person who consumes high doses of vitamin C is less likely of contracting diseases.
"Vitamin C's Function." Vitamin C's Function. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
What foods are the good sources of vitamin C?
Top 10 Food Sources of Vitamin C:
- Guava
- Red Sweet Pepper
- Kiwi
- Orange
- Green Sweet Pepper
- Grapefruit Juice
- Vegetable Juice Cocktail
- Strawberries
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cantaloupe
Top 10 Sources of Vitamin C (Including 3 Foods With More than Oranges)." The Daily Green. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.
Is it a fat? Or is it a water-soluble vitamin?
When vitamin C is digested, it becomes a water soluble antioxidant. Because it is in the water soluble state can directly affect the molecules located in the body which are highly reactive, and known for causing tissue damage. They are also known for advancing the aging process, and can also cause cancer.
What is another name for vitamin c?
Another name for this vitamin is: ascorbic acid.
What is a collagen?
Collagen is the essential part of connective tissue. Connective tissue is needed to keep the body together. The skin, bones, teeth, blood vessels, cartilage, tendons and ligaments all rely on collagen. Lack of collagen results in hemorrhage, bleeding gums, bruising, loose teeth, and for bones to fracture.