Used regularly in holistic medicine, Vitamin C is a popular nutrient known across the world. It occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is most commonly used to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by its deficiency. During the 18th century, after many sailors died from months-long sea excursions, doctors discovered that scurvy could be prevented with a diet rich in citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. These all have a high concentration of Vitamin C.
Today, it’s also widely believed that Vitamin C helps to boost your immune system and shorten the length of colds and the flu. Go into any pharmacy or drugstore and you’ll find many dietary supplements supporting immune function with high levels of Vitamin C. However, not all studies agree with this claim.
In holistic medicine, Vitamin C is extensively used in treatment plans and given as supplements for many different reasons. When starting new supplements, or adding one to your established repertoire, it’s important to understand what they are, what they do, and how they benefit your body. So let’s take a look at what Vitamin C is and how it can benefit your overall health.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is ascorbic acid and ascorbate, an essential nutrient for the body that repairs tissues and produces certain neurotransmitters.
What are Vitamin C Foods?
Vitamin C occurs naturally in many different types of food. Most people know that the nutrient is found in citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit. But you’ll also find it in other fruits, vegetables, and herbs, such as bell peppers, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, papaya, rosehip, and kale. Although many people believe oranges have the most Vitamin C, red bell pepper can contain up to three times the amount.
Many people also opt to take Vitamin C supplements in addition to adding it naturally within their diets. In holistic medicine, practitioners often recommend a balance of both.
What are Vitamin C benefits?
Because it’s ascorbic acid, your body needs Vitamin C to build and maintain bones, skin, and blood vessels. But there are also other Vitamin C benefits, such as helping to fight infections. This doesn’t just include boosting your immune system (according to some studies); it also can promote the healing of wounds and cuts.
Vitamin C is also used in holistic medicine for additional reasons. It can lower the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, it can help regulate levels of cholesterol in the body, and it’s even known to block the passage of cancer-causing elements (such as chemicals found in smog, car exhaust, and tobacco smoke) into your body.
All-in-all, Vitamin C is an important supplement and nutrient that your body needs to function properly. Its benefits range from essential functions like building blood vessels and repairing tissues, to extra support in reducing ailments like heart disease. It’s widely used in holistic medicine, helping people lead healthier lives each and every day.
