Vitamin C: Reason why it is great for your health
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Vitamin C is found in high levels in the skin and can contribute towards keeping your skin healthy among other things. According to experts, this includes anti-ageing properties that combat the signs of damage and even wrinkles.
Experts from Healthline state: “Vitamin C can also help fend off the signs of ageing because of its vital role in the body’s natural collagen synthesis.”
The good news is that, although you can boost your intake of vitamin C with over-the-counter supplements and skin creams, the vital nutrient also occurs naturally in some common fruits and vegetables.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is found both in the outer layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, and the inner layer of skin known as the dermis.
According to the NHS, Vitamin C has several important functions, the most prominent of which include: “helping to protect cells and keeping them healthy, maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage and helping with wound healing.”
Adults aged between 19 and 64 are advised to get around 40mg of vitamin C each day.
Though supplements can be taken to increase this amount, the NHS states: “You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need from your daily diet.”
Unfortunately, the body cannot store vitamin C, which is why it is important to ensure you are getting enough every day.
The Department of Health and Social Care says: “You should be able to get all the vitamin C you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
“If you take vitamin C supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
“Taking less than 1,000mg of vitamin C supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.”
DON’T MISS
Longevity: The essential tip to ward off chronic disease as you age [ADVICE]
Alzheimer’s disease: The vitamin deficiency found in 70% of patients [DATA]
Best supplements for the liver: Pill could prevent liver-related death [INSIGHT]
Which fruits and vegetables are best for vitamin C?
The easiest way to get more vitamin C into your body is simply by eating a healthy and balanced diet.
The good news is that the skin-boosting vitamin naturally occurs in plenty of delicious fruits and vegetables.
These include:
- Citrus fruits, including oranges and lemons – approximately 97.5mg of vitamin C per serving
- Strawberries and blackberries – approximately 97 mg of vitamin C per serving
- Broccoli – approximately 81 mg of vitamin C per serving
- Spinach – approximately 28mg per 100g serving
- Sweet red or green peppers – between 190mg and 109mg per serving
- Pineapple – approximately 78mg per serving
- Brussel sprouts – approximately 74mg per serving
- Mangoes – approximately 60mg per serving
- Cantaloupe – approximately 57mg per serving
- Cauliflower – approximately 51mg per serving
How does vitamin C benefit the skin?
Vitamin C has a number of antioxidant properties and helps to boost collagen production.
This can ward off cancer and boost supple, glowing skin.
The vitamin can also even out skin tone, tackle pigmentation and brighten complexion.
Healthline’s team of experts said: “Adequate vitamin C intake can also help repair and prevent dry skin.”
Though vitamin C can be consumed, Dr Patricia Wexler, a dermatologist in New York City, told CNN that when applied topically via a moisturiser or serum, the effects can be “20 times more potent than oral intake”.
Source: Read Full Article