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Saturday, July 05, 2008

Vitamin C beats inflammation and more

Dr. Pauling and The Super Vitamin

There's been a lot of research concerning Vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, this nutrient serves the body in a great variety of ways. In addition to the long established means of helping maintain health, Vitamin C is proved in helping the body overcome illness and some disease.

What we certainly know about vitamin C is that it is an essential part of the creation of collagen in the body. Collagen is particularly important to the connective tissues of the body and is what the scar of healed wounds is made of. We also know Vitamin C helps keep the gums healthy and the teeth tight. It also promotes healthy cell growth and development, as well as helping the body to use the iron and calcium it takes in. Vitamin C plays an important role in the rebuilding of tissues, helps to keep tiny capillaries functioning properly, and also serves to prevent dangerous blood clots.

From the many scientific studies throughout the years, Vitamin C has come to be associated with many other health benefits. These include such things as helping to fight infection, strengthening the body's immune system, playing a role in the reduction of cholesterol and high blood pressure, and having a part in the prevention of arteriosclerosis. Moreover, Vitamin C has been associated with helping to prevent cataracts, cardiovascular diseases and possibly even certain types of cancer. Research continues into these intriguing areas of study so now definite conclusions are yet available.

A lack of Vitamin C has been known for many years to be the cause of the disease scurvy, which was a plague for pre-nineteenth century sailors. Early signs of scurvy include red bumps around hair follicles, easy bruising, joint pain and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. As the disease advances, small open sores begin to appear on the body and in the mouth. The teeth loosen and gum tissue bleeds. Other ways in which a deficiency of Vitamin C can affect the health of the body include poor digestion, water retention, frequent colds, and low energy levels.

In the U.S., the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C was recently revised upward from 60 mg daily for adults to 90 mg daily.

Many nutritionists recommend consuming significantly more than that.

According to many Vitamin C experts, the minimum requirement offers little protection against the worst symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency. Keep in mind that Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which means it must be replaced daily.

The Vitamin C Foundation recommends that every man, woman and children older than 3 years of age consume at least 3 g (3000 mg) Vitamin C daily in order to enjoy optimum health. More is suggested during pregnancy (6000 mg), and much more during periods of disease (20,000 to 300,000 mg). (Contributed by Chet Day)

Oranges and all the citrus fruits provide a natural sources of Vitamin C. Other good sources are gooseberries, rose hips and cherries.

The leaflady's C5 and C5+ are our two all food based Vitamin C formulas.

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