What you need to know about Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is probably the best-known vitamin. It is most often associated with citrus fruit and is known for its ability to boost the immune system.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is probably the best-known vitamin. It is most often associated with citrus fruit and is known for its ability to boost the immune system, increasing the body's resistance to infections like cold and flu in winter.

But what many people don't know is that vitamin C is an antioxidant that performs a variety of roles in the body. It helps to promote healthy gums and teeth, aids in mineral absorption, and helps heal wounds.

This vitamin is also a water-soluble vitamin that is expressed quantitatively as milligrams.

What does it do for you?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reacts with free radicals. Through this mechanism, the vitamin protects the body from the onslaught of cancer and other diseases of lifestyle.

The vitamin plays an important role in the formation of connective tissue, cartilage, bone matrix, tooth dentin, skin, and tendons - making it one of the cornerstones of the wound healing process.

Vitamin C is best known for its mechanism of increasing the body's resistance to infection. It also helps to keep the mucous membranes intact.

Which foods have vitamin C?

Papaya, guava, berries, green peppers, rose hips, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi fruit, citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons, and naartjies, cabbage and cauliflower.

How much vitamin C do you need?

The current RDA is 90mg for male adults and 75mg for female adults, but some nutritionists say that 1000mg of vitamin C a day can be taken safely over the long term. The tolerable upper intake limit (UL) is 2000mg per day.

How much is too much?

Taking more than 5 000mg (5g) or more may cause diarrhea

Signs of vitamin C deficiency
You’re likely to suffer from vitamin C deficiency if you smoke, are exposed to pollution, drink caffeine in any form, are under stress, are recovering from illness or surgery, take aspirin regularly or are over the age of 55.

and maybe harmful to the liver. People who suffer from kidney stones should also avoid large doses.

If you bruise easily, are susceptible to infections and colds, lack energy, have gums that bleed easily and have nosebleeds regularly, it’s likely that you need more vitamin C.

Research on vitamin C

Vitamin C supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cataracts later in life.

Research also shows that vitamin C may help prevent heart disease and cancer.

People who eat a diet rich in this vitamin may also be at lower risk of suffering strokes, and smokers who do so may benefit the most, research shows.

WHY WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY? TOP 5 REASONS TO WEAR SPFS DAILY!

You may know that sunscreen is a good idea, especially if you spend plenty of time in the sun, but do you know why? If you haven't yet gotten in the habit of wearing sunscreen daily, take a look at these top tips for making it part of your routine.

1. SUNSCREEN PROTECTS EVERY SKIN TYPE

If you have a darker complexion, the melanin in your skin confers some natural protection from sunburns, but you still need protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. While people with fair skin are more likely to develop skin cancer due to sun exposure, people with dark skin tones are at risk of more serious kinds of cancer when they get it. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that EVERYONE wear sunscreen daily for the safety of their skin.

2. MOST OF WHAT YOU CALL AGING IS REALLY YEARS OF SUN DAMAGE.

Dermatologists with the Skin Cancer Foundation estimate that 90 percent of visible aging comes not from the number of candles on your birthday cake but the hours you've spent in the sun. Wearing sunscreen daily saves your skin from years of visible damage later.

3. YOU HAVE MORE CHOICES AND BETTER APPLICATION METHODS THAN EVER.

Still, have images in your head of that stripe of pasty zinc oxide on your nose? Forget them. Modern zinc- and aluminum-based sunscreens use micronized particles for invisible sun protection. You can also opt for chemical sunscreens that interact with your skin's upper layers to provide hours of sun protection. These days you can spray it on, rub it in or smooth it over your skin with a rolling applicator.

4. THE SUN IS STRONG EVEN WHEN IT’S NOT SUNNY OUT!

Many people think they don't need sunscreen on overcast days or for brief stints in the sun, but for the ultraviolet rays that damage your skin, a little cloud cover means nothing. UV light penetrates clouds with ease, so you need protection even on cloudy days.

5. SUN DAMAGE IS CUMULATIVE.

Don't be fooled into thinking you can build up a safe tan; there's no such thing. Every exposure contributes to possible damage at the cellular level. Spare your skin tomorrow and wear your sunscreen today.