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Articles
Why is Vitamin C so Important?
By Steven Parker
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, maintains the ligaments, tendons,
and other supportive tissue. It is found in fruits and in potatoes. Because
it’s an antioxidant it helps regulate your blood cells, keeping blood cells
from becoming deformed from the toxics in the air, which in some cases can
cause cancer. The best function of vitamin C is the formation of collagen, a
protein substance that keeps the cell together. Vitamin C enhances the
absorption of iron. It is needed for buoyant health, vitality and endurance.
It keeps your skin clear, with a fresh complexion and healthy gums and teeth.
It is very important for the functions of all glands and organs. This vitamin
maintains the bones and proper functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands.
It promotes healing and protects against all forms of stress - physical and
mental.
So what happens if you don’t take enough vitamin C? If you become
deficiency of vitamin C you will have soft gums, skin hemorrhages, capillary
weakness, deterioration in collagen, anaemia, and slow healing of sores and
wounds. You will see yourself aging faster, thyroid insufficiency, and your
resistance to all infections will be very low. Its deficiency enhances the
toxic effect of drugs and environmental poisons. Mild deficiencies of vitamin
C may appear in the form of lassitude, fatigue, anorexia, muscular pain, and
greater susceptibility to infection. Long deficiency may cause scurvy, which
is very dangerous. Scurvy is a disease that results from insufficient intake
of vitamin C. This can lead to formation of livid spots on the skin, soft
spongy gums and bleeding from mucous membranes. A quote from Enchanted
Learning.com, “Many sailors on long trips got scurvy, which at first
debilitates and then kills the victim. When the cause of scurvy was determined
to be a dietary deficiency, limes and other foods high in vitamin C were
brought on long sea journeys, putting an end to the problem of scurvy.
Bringing limes aboard is why sailors used to be called "limeys."
You can find vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. But most food fall
short or lose their source when it is cooked. To get the full benefits you
will have to eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Taking vitamin C supplements is
also another great way, taking a supplement can help you get the required
amount you need everyday.
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Steven Parker a specialist in health & nutrition. Steve Parker is also a
partner of http://www.nutritionmountain.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Parker
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