Amid the coronavirus pandemic, health experts have suggested the need for the intake of vitamin C as it is known to build better immunity. Also called ascorbic acid, it is is a popular remedy for the common cold. It was around 1970 that Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling popularised the theory that vitamin C helps in treating colds and said using mega doses of vitamin C, or up to 18,000 mg daily helps in prevention of cold.
According to a research by US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, although vitamin C may not help in total prevention of cold, it may shorten the amount of time a person is sick and also lessen the symptoms.
Apart from cold and related infections, it is is needed by the body to form collagen, to make skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. It also helps repair and maintain cartilage, bones and teeth, heal and form scar tissue. It also prevents cancer by blocking the damage made by free radicals.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that vitamin C has a “modest” effect on lowering high blood pressure. It is a vital antioxidant that helps protect cells from damaging. It also helps protect memory and reduces chances of dementia. It also protect against eye disease and reduces risk of heart disease.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dietary sources include citrus fruits, kiwis, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, watermelon and cranberries. Apart from fruits, vegetables such as red and green peppers, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and brussel sprouts are other sources of vitamin C.
Also read: A child-friendly VITAMIN CHART