Taken from an article by Rhonda Patrick
w/analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Doctors who have used it call this underappreciated vitamin a “premiere treatment” for many types of infections. But others shun it. Because it doesn’t produce significant profits. With high doses, it can help eliminate pathogens. And it could prove to be invaluable for coronavirus.
In small quantities, it protects proteins, lipids, and even DNA and RNA in your body. It protects the body from reactive oxygen species that are generated during normal metabolism, as well as due to toxin exposure. Although life as we know it is changing, this vitamin stays the same.
What is this underappreciated vitamin?
Vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts your immunity. It helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes. These blood cells help protect the body against infection. It’s also known as ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is necessary for growth, development, and repair of all body tissues.
Vitamin C fights the common cold
Vitamin C’s anti-cold effects are among its most-studied uses. Research suggests that using vitamin C prophylactically as well as therapeutically at the onset of cold symptoms may reduce symptoms and cold duration.
Per Harvard Health Publishing, the most convincing evidence to date comes from a 2013 review. The review consisted of 29 randomized trials with more than 11,000 participants. Researchers found that among extremely active people – such as marathon runners, skiers, and Army troops doing heavy exercise in subarctic conditions – taking at least 200mg of vitamin C every day appeared to cut the risk of getting a cold in half. But for the general population, taking vitamin C did not reduce the risk of getting a cold.
Antioxidant Properties
Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties, may help decrease the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis because it reduces oxidative damage.
Boosts immunity
Healthline states that one of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity. Because vitamin C protects the body and is involved in many parts of the immune system.
Studies have shown that taking vitamin C may shorten wound healing time. It’s an essential part of the skin’s defense system. It’s transported to the skin actively, where it acts as an antioxidant to help strengthen the skin’s barriers.
What’s more, low levels of vitamin C have been linked to poor health outcomes.
For example, people who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels. And vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten the recovery time.
Other health benefits of Vitamin C
- Reduce risk of chronic disease
- May manage blood pressure
- May lower risk of heart disease
- Helps prevent iron deficiency
- May reduce blood uric acid levels and help prevent gout attacks
- Protects your memory and thinking as you age
- Helps maintain healthy skin and hair
Does vitamin C help with COVID?
Per Healthline with the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important to understand that no supplement, diet, or other lifestyle modification other than social distancing, and proper hygiene practices (washing hands) can protect you from COVID-19.
High dose IV vitamin C has been used in China to help improve lung function in people with COVID-19. However, vitamin C’s effectiveness is still being tested. It is thought to help reverse some of the damage that COVID-19 can cause.
There’s no proof it can treat or cure coronavirus. And there’s no evidence to support the use of oral vitamin C supplements for COVID-19.
Research and evidence
Medical-News Today stated that a handful of papers have suggested that vitamin C may help treat inflammation and symptoms associated with COVID-19. At least one clinical trial testing is underway. But it will not finish until September 2020.
For now, the research supporting the use of vitamin C for COVID-19 has looked at conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and the need for mechanical ventilation due to severe cases of COVID-19. It has not looked specifically at people with COVID-19.
Bottom line
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from diet or supplements.
It has been linked to many impressive health benefits. Such as, boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk.
Overall, vitamin C supplements are a great and simple way to boost your vitamin C intake if you struggle to get enough from your diet. So give it a try. After all, vitamin C does protect the body.
Isaiah 53:5
I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far says the Lord, who heals them.
One more thing:
Hop on over to Christian and Alternative Health FB Group where you’ll find advice and recipes for healthy living. Tips for up and coming copywriters. And, spiritual dialog that’s both inspiring and encouraging.
