Vitamin C Is Vital For the Immune System
Vitamin C Is Vital For the Immune System.The immune system is a complex network of organs, tissues, cells and chemicals that protect us from harmful substances and illnesses. Vitamin c is vital for this process because it has many important functions in the body, including preventing infections and maintaining the health of our skin and tissues.
The immune system needs a certain amount of vitamin c each day in order to function properly. However, a large amount can cause problems with the digestive tract and kidneys, so it is best to avoid taking more than the RDA.
Protects the body from free radical damage
Vitamin c is vital for the immune system because it protects the body from free radical damage. These unstable molecules can damage DNA and other parts of the cell when they steal electrons from other atoms or cells.
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of the body’s normal processes, but they can become dangerous when they are present in excessive amounts. They are produced when the body breaks down food or when you’re exposed to tobacco smoke, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and other environmental pollutants.
Antioxidants can counteract the effects of free radicals by donating electrons and preventing their destructive activity. Vitamin c and other antioxidants in the diet help scavenge these damaging free radicals. They also participate in redox recycling of other antioxidants, such as alpha-tocopherol and selenium.
Stimulates the production of white blood cells
The immune system is an intricate network of organs, cells, proteins, and chemicals that protect you from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites as well as cancer cells. It is made up of innate immunity (the body’s natural ability to fight infection) and acquired immunity (the body’s ability to develop resistance to disease).
The immune system uses white blood cells, phagocytic leukocytes, macrophages, and other lymphocytes to respond to infections and to combat cancer. Vitamin c stimulates the production of these white blood cells and their functions.
Research has shown that vitamin c is an antioxidant, meaning it can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. It also boosts the body’s immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Helps heal wounds
Vitamin c is an essential nutrient for the immune system and plays a major role in wound healing. Its main function is to help synthesise collagen, which is the protein that makes up bones, blood vessels and skin.
Vitamin C also acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting your cells from free radical damage. This is important because free radicals can lead to heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
The most obvious way to get your daily vitamin c fix is to eat citrus fruits and dark leafy vegetables. But you can also get it from supplements and juices.
Vitamin c is also a good source of antioxidants, particularly ascorbic acid, which can be found in most citrus fruits and dark leafy vegetables. You may want to supplement with a more potent form of ascorbic acid, such as calcium ascorbate, as this will have greater antioxidant benefits. This nutrient is easily destroyed by heat and light, so it’s best to eat your vitamin C sources raw or use quick cooking methods such as stir-frying or blanching.
Prevents cancer
Vitamin C is vital for the immune system by regulating oxidative damage to cells and stimulating the activity of white blood cells. In addition, it also prevents cancer by enhancing the ability of the immune system to fight disease.
However, while high doses of vitamin C may help to eradicate some cancerous cells, more research is needed before it becomes a routine part of cancer treatment. It’s important to speak with your oncologist before taking any supplements during cancer treatment, as large amounts of antioxidants can interfere with chemotherapy medications.
Several studies have linked circulating vitamin C concentrations with cancer risk. However, these associations are unclear and contradictory across observational studies [88].
