By Ganda Putra
What is vitamin C good for? You know all the wild claims of it preventing everything from cancer to the common cold, but what is really true and what is just folklore? The truth is not as amazing as many claims would have you believe, but the reality of what vitamin C does is still truly amazing.
Vitamin C and the Common Cold
The first disease which is almost always pointed at during any discussion of vitamin C is the common cold. The reality is not quite as powerful as what many people would have you believe. Vitamin C’s role with the common cold is both slightly preventive and slightly recuperative. Vitamin C helps your body’s immune system and cell walls to stay at their maximum effectiveness which can play a role in reduced incidences of contracting a cold, but does not eliminate the risk.
The secondary benefit, recovery from a cold, may be just as important. During any illness the body uses high amounts of vitamin. By taking added vitamin C during your cold you maintain the proper balances allowing your body to more effectively fight the cold and speed recovery.
What is Vitamin C Good For in Cancer Patients?
This is one area of great discussion. There have been some patients who report taking mega-doses of vitamin C have helped with their cancer recovery. On the other hand, some studies have indicated high doses of vitamin C make the cancer cells more resistant to chemo-therapy and radiation treatments. This is one case where maintaining a common sense level of vitamin C would be the best choice. Only take mega-doses of vitamin C under the direct supervision of your doctor or oncologist.
Vitamin C and Common Injuries
This is another case where knowledge passed from person to person seems to indicate vitamin C aids in the healing of minor wounds. In reality the lack of vitamin C, or a vitamin C deficiency, leads to a slowing of the healing process. Maintaining proper vitamin C levels contributes to the body being able to heal at a normal fast rate.
The biggest benefit from vitamin C in the battle of disease and in the healing of wounds my come from two of the vitamins power properties. Vitamin C is both a powerful antioxidant and pro-oxidant. These two important roles help protect the body from free radicals and possible toxic reactions from other compounds. These protective properties may be the factor which has led to vitamin C becoming known as one of the most important vitamins in fighting illness.
Vitamin C is a Critical Element in Oral Health
One place vitamin C does shine is in oral health. Vitamin C helps maintain health gums, reducing bleeding, and keeping the gums healthy and strong. A vitamin C deficiency can quickly lead to a wide variety of oral health issues
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What is vitamin C good for? It is good for helping you maintain the highest levels of health protecting you from a wide variety of illnesses and speeding recovery. It is not a magical vitamin, but one which is crucial to your health.
