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Vitamin C and Heart Health

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Vitamin C is a major protective element against many aspects of cardiovascular disease. Numerous experts have studied vitamin C for its ability to improve heart health.

It can be helpful in protecting against blood vessel changes and high blood pressure. This vitamin is also helpful in fighting some risk factors that are related to heart disease.

Vitamin C for the Prevention of Plaque Build-Up

Many experts across the globe have acknowledged the power of this super antioxidant in helping to prevent degenerative heart disease.  We have all heard about the dangers of plaque buildup in arteries which can contribute to heart attack and strokes.

Evidence suggests that Vitamin C may be able to help prevent the development of atherosclerosis.  During the early stages of this disease, white blood cells are transported via the bloodstream and stick to the arterial walls.

Once they stick to the inside of the arteries, the blood vessel walls begin to thicken.  Over time, this process causes the elasticity of the vessels to diminish — in other words, the vessels get stiffer. This situation enables atherosclerosis to occur.

Helps Prevent Atherosclerosis

Research has found that the body does not need and cannot use one large dose of vitamin C in one day.  The Vitamin C Foundation recommends around 3,000 mg per day to protect against heart disease. This dose should be divided into 500 mg every four hours.

Vitamin C Needed for Collagen Production

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins within the human body. It is responsible for forming strong fibers that provide strength and stability to the skin, arteries, joints and muscles. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the production of collagen.

Studies have shown that the amount of this vitamin that many people ingest is sufficient to prevent scurvy. However, it is not enough to provide stability and strength to the arterial walls.  Vitamin C repairs and produces collagen; however, after this production, there is little of the vitamin left. This means that there isn’t enough left to complete some of its other vital roles in the body.

Regular Intake Essential for Health

These findings show that individuals need to have a regular, abundant supply of Vitamin C in order to keep their tissues and arteries healthy and strong. The arteries around the heart undergo stress because the heart is constantly beating.  

These continuous motions can cause tiny lesions and crack because of the continuous stress and stretching. The arterial walls may also be exposed to inflammation on a regular basis. Some experts believe that ingesting a steady amount of Vitamin C can enable the body to heal and begin repairing the arteries.

This will help prevent heart diseases and atherosclerosis from setting in.  Additional studies show that if a person does not have enough Vitamin C in their system, their body will attempt to complete the repair of damaged arteries. However, the body uses cholesterol and fatty substances to adhere to the arterial walls as an alternative. These materials are not good materials for repair.

Dietary Sources

Essential for healthy tissue development, the entire body uses Vitamin C.  Natural sources with high levels of this vitamin include citrus fruit, strawberries, kiwifruit, blackcurrants, capsicums, and potatoes.  

Increased intake of foods rich in vitamin C can be helpful for the whole family. The best way to get this is through your diet. If this is too difficult, the addition of supplements is an acceptable way to obtain this essential dietary element.

Vitamin C also has some benefits in cancer prevention. It also can be helpful in managing the symptoms of diabetes and asthma.

Loving Life — The Reboot!

Dominique

This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.

Vitamin C and Heart Health

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