How Vitamin C Helps in Boosting Immunity
By Nmami Life Editorial 18-Mar 2020 Reading Time: 5 Mins
The human body is an extremely complex entity. Our body carries out a number of processes and functions going on in the body that you aren’t even aware of! It consists of various minerals, vitamins, salts, sugars, and nutrients that ensure its proper functioning. The absence of any of these can make the body prone to viruses and infections. So, we need to make sure that we consume a healthy and nourishing diet full of minerals and vitamins.
The appropriate functioning of the body is necessary for you to enjoy a disease-free life. Minerals and vitamins have aided the human body since time immemorial. They carry out hundreds of roles in the body. They also convert food into energy and repair cellular damage. Today, we will talk to you about Vitamin C and how effectively you can utilize it to boost immunity. It is a water-soluble vitamin and is also known as ascorbic acid. The human body cannot synthesize Vitamin C so it is an essential component in our diet.
Vitamin C ensures the growth and repair of tissue in the body. It is also known as a commendable vitamin that boosts immunity. A healthy and strongly built immune system helps you fight bacteria and infections and prevents them from harming your body. This how vitamin c effectively bolsters your immunity:
- Antioxidant: Vitamin C is claimed as a powerful antioxidant. The effectual working of the immune system is aided by white blood cells. These cells fight off any illness-causing virus or bacteria and shields the body from the invasion of any foreign substance. As an antioxidant, vitamin C triggers the growth and function of these white blood cells and antibodies which fight off pathogens or antigens. Thereby, vitamin c builds up a strong immune system.
- Production of collagen: Collagen is a kind of protein that assists in building up bones, skin, ligaments, and muscles in the body. The more the quantity of collagen in your body, the better your skin appears. It provides structure to your body and therefore its production in the body is extremely important. A cut in your skin and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Collagen helps in healing wounds and strengthens the skin. As you age, the production of collagen in the body reduces and leads to dry skin and wrinkles. Consumption of vitamin c enhances the quality and quantity of collagen in your body, ultimately improving your skin health and bone health.
- Defense against infections: Vitamin C supports various cellular functions in our body and establishes a well-built immune system. It accumulates in the phagocytic cell which in turn kills harmful microbes. It is also known to prevent and cure respiratory infections. An optimal level of tissue and cell repair is also guaranteed by vitamin C.
Footnote
Vitamin C is particularly found in fruits and vegetables such as guavas, kale, parsley, strawberries, broccoli, and kiwi. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemon, mosambi, and grapefruit are rich in vitamin c. It is important to include vitamin c in your diet as it cannot be synthesized in the body. You should make it a habit to consume some amount of vitamin C every day.