We’re still looking at nutrients that are difficult to find in food. Today’s topic actually needs no introduction (but that never stopped us). If you find it boring, scroll down to the bottom to find out what our special is.
Ascorbic acid (AKA “Vitamin C”) is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of all organs in the body. Its benefits are extensive, impacting the immune system, cardiovascular system, liver, nervous system, skin, and more.
Immune System
Thanks to Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, Vitamin C is perhaps best known for its role in boosteing the immune system. It enhances the production and function of white blood cells, which fight off infections. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects these cells from damage by neutralising free radicals. Regular intake of Vitamin C can reduce the duration and severity of common colds and other infections.
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system benefits significantly from Vitamin C due to its antioxidant properties, which help prevent oxidative stress – a major contributor to heart disease. Vitamin C aids in the maintenance of healthy blood vessels by helping in collagen production (a protein that provides structural support in arteries). It also helps lower blood pressure by improving the dilation of blood vessels. Furthermore, Vitamin C can reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Liver
The liver is designed to filter out toxins. As such, it is often under fire. In the liver, Vitamin C neutralises some toxins that can threaten the health of liver cells. It also aids in the repair and recovery of damaged liver cells.
Nervous System
Vitamin C is vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It plays a role in the synthesis of brain hormones (neurotransmitters), such as noradrenaline (your get-up-and-go hormone). As an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects the brain from oxidative stress, which is linked to brain diseases like Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Studies show that adequate levels of Vitamin C are associated with improved brain function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Skin
Skin, hair, and nails rely on Vitamin C for their health and vitality. Vitamin C also supports the skin’s barrier function. Skin is the first line of defence against harmful microbes, making a healthy skin barrier the first step in preventing infections. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and strength. It helps in the repair of damaged skin (reducing wrinkles and scar formation). Yes! It may reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Additionally, Vitamin C protects the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Its role in wound healing is also well known, as it speeds up the rate of healing.
Musculo-skeletal System
Muscles and bones also benefit from Vitamin C through its role in collagen production. Collagen is necessary for the maintenance of bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of calcium, which is needed for bone health. It also has a direct effect on bone density by stimulating osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation.
Mineral Absorption
Calcium is not the only mineral to benefit from Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid intake boosts the absorption of iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and cobalt, while reducing the absorption of copper, nickel, manganese, cadmium and mercury. By improving iron absorption, Vitamin C boosts red blood cell production, leading to better oxygen transport throughout the body.
Lungs
Vitamin C supports the lungs by reducing the risk of chronic respiratory diseases. Its antioxidant properties help protect lung tissues from oxidative damage caused by pollutants and smoking. Vitamin C can also alleviate symptoms of asthma and improve lung function by reducing inflammation.
Wherever the takkie hits the tar, Vitamin C is there. You might as well call Vitamin C the “everywhere vitamin”. We have only scratched the surface of what Vitamin C can do for you. If Vitamin C is so important to health, why are we told the RDA (Ridiculous Daily Amount) is only 90 mg per day for adults???
How Much Is Too Much?
Most mammals can produce their own Vitamin C. They do not need to get it from fruits. A healthy male goat will produce 13g of Vitamin C daily. That’s his baseline. If you stress him out, the production of Vitamin C can jump as high as 100g. If you reduce 100g to dry powder, it will fill half a cup! Have you ever seen a goat with gout or heart disease? Large amounts of Vitamin C do not cause gout or heart disease, as is often believed. Interestingly, goats do not get cancer, either.
Vitamin C is water soluble, meaning it can easily be excreted in the urine. No need to worry about excess Vitamin C heaping up in the body.
How Much Do You Really Need?
So, how much do you need? The short answer is: MORE. For most healthy adults, a daily dose of 3000–5000 mg per day represents a great dose.
What Format Is Best?
Here come the money-making gurus. You will have noticed that all kinds of very expensive Ascorbic Acids have hit the market. This confuses everyone (and earns profits from the confusion). The basic truth is that any form of Vitamin C that is in solution when taken, will absorb pretty well.
The cost of liposomal Vitamin C means you take less Vitamin C (to save money). If you had bought inexpensive Vitamin C, you would have been able to take much more per day (and still save money).
How To Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C tablets can lie in the stomach for a while, causing irritation. Dissolved Vitamin C moves through the stomach in minutes, making stomach issues unlikely. Also, the gut can only absorb about 250-500 mg of Vitamin C per hour. If you take a lot of Vitamin C tablets, most of them will pass through undigested since the gut cannot handle that much Vitamin C at once.
What About Powder?
Vitamin C powders are not innocent, either. Virtually every commercially available Vitamin C powder has added flavourants and sugar or other sweeteners. Additionally, most Vitamin C on the market is made from genetically modified rice (or other organism), which usually means the presence of toxins such as glyphosate.
We Thought Of you!
We offer a Pure Non-GMO Vitamin C powder in 200g amounts, along with a handy little spoon. One level scoop represents about 5000 mg of Vitamin C. Add this to 1L of water and sip it during the course of the day. This way, you never overload your gut with too much Vitamin C while consuming an optimal daily dose.
How does it taste?
When diluted in 1L of water, it barely has a taste. You will notice the slightly sour taste, but that is all – nothing overwhelming. Adding a bit of bicarbonate of soda can reduce the acidity if taken in a glass of water.
* It’s pure!
It’s simple!
* It’s convenient!
* It’s affordable!
* It’s good for you!
Doc Frank
