Vitamin C (ascorbic Acid) Is A Great Antioxidant
By Sam Cyrus

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin, which is necessary in the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. This vitamin also aids in absorption of iron. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron bioavailability.

The vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a great antioxidant and helps protect the body against pollutants. It also promotes healthy cell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth and repair - such as healing of wounds and burns. This vitamin C (ascorbic acid) assists in the prevention of blood clotting and bruising, and strengthening the walls of the capillaries.

Many people claim the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a cure-all for many diseases and problems - from cancer to the common cold. Yet, this miracle vitamin cannot be manufactured by the body, and needs to be ingested. Because vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a biological reducing agent, it is also linked to prevention of degenerative diseases - such as cataracts, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin C is also needed for healthy gums, to help protecting against infection, and assisting with clearing up infections. Not only is thought to enhance the immune system, the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps reducing cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and preventing arteriosclerosis as well.

The common dietary sources of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are fruits and vegetables. They include broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, strawberries, kale, lemons, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruit, limes, papaya, kiwifruit, pineapples, lettuce, watermelon, fennel, peppermint and parsley. Particularly citrus fruits such as oranges may be the very best of the vitamin C (ascorbic acid).