Vitamin C (or Ascorbic Acid) is an antioxidant required by the body for more than 300 functions including muscle growth and repair adrenal gland function, maintenance of healthy gums and the upkeep of a strong immune system. The benefits of vitamin c are tremendous and should not be underestimated. Because the body cannot manufacture vitamin c, it is important to have a source in your diet or from a supplement.

Uses
Vitamin c reduces the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering high blood pressure. It also reduces the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Vitamin c is essential in the formation of collagen and protects against abnormal blood clotting and promotes the healing of burns and wounds. Some studies show that asthma sufferers taking vitamin c have had fewer symptoms probably because it protects against the harmful effects of pollution. Most symptoms of lack of vitamin c are gums that bleed when brushed, increased susceptibility to infections, joint pain, lack of energy, a tendency to bruise easily and even loss of teeth. Many bodybuilders swear by vitamin c and can’t get enough although I haven’t found any research indicating that it aids in muscle production (steroids deplete levels of vitamin c in the body so that may be a reason). Esterified vitamin c or Ester-C is a remarkable form of vitamin c and has been proven effective for those suffering with chronic illnesses such as cancer or AIDS. Ester-C is created by reacting with a necessary mineral like calcium this enters the blood stream and tissue 4 times faster than normal vitamin c. The levels of vitamin c in the white blood cells are four times higher than normal when taking Esterified vitamin c. In addition only one third as much is lost through excretion in the urine.

Sources
Vitamin c can be found in many foods; naturally it occurs in berries, citrus fruit and green vegetables. Some of these sources are: black currents, lemons, mangos, watercress, papayas, tomatoes, onions, green peas, strawberries, pineapple, avocados, asparagus and others. Most famously, a good source of vitamin c is orange juice, but only if it is freshly squeezed and the production process doesn’t involve pasteurisation or heating. Frozen juices are fine as they are often processed by non-thermal methods. There are herb sources of vitamin c; they include alfalfa, burdock root, cayenne, chickweed, eyebright, peppermint, nettle, hops, oat straw and pine needle. When choosing a vitamin c supplement choose something that is all natural and is a sustained release as this will be optimal for absorption. Diets.net.nz recommends GNLD Vitamin C supplement for your bodies everyday vitamin c need.