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Why is vitamin C antioxidant?
Vitamin C to get rid of free radicals
Free radicals are produced as a result of cellular oxidation. A limited and controlled number of these elements is beneficial to the body because of its important role for the immune system, since they are able to eliminate pathogens.
When the number of free radicals increases and becomes unstable, negative results can appear. For example, it has been proved the relationship between the high presence of these molecules and certain diseases of degenerative nature, such as alterations of the circulatory apparatus, nervous system and other serious diseases such as cancer, AIDS, or premature aging. These negative results occur because the free radicals alter the cell DNA, preventing cell renewal or altering its normal functioning.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant because it promotes the elimination of free radicals generated by the body itself, as well as those coming from abroad.
It has been proven the ability of this element to remove pollutants that enter the body. The ingestion or inhalation of products can cause serious health problems, especially to the liver, kidneys and nerves.
For example, lead ingestion through polluted water increases blood pressure in people older. In many places the pipes that carry water are still made from lead. This mineral is dissolved in water and incorporated into our body, producing, among other problems, hypertension.
Nitrites and nitrates are used in the preparation of meat in order to preserve it and give it a better appearance. However, these components are highly detrimental to health. They are believed to be responsible for the occurrence of stomach cancer. So the ingestion of foods rich in vitamin C is especially interesting for people who usually eat much meat. Vitamin C ingestion is a way to get rid of toxins from animal products.
Vitamin C antioxidant properties to keep us younger
Similarly Vitamin C can be positive against the attacks of sun radiation which is mainly responsible for the production of free radicals that can alter the skin health. The alteration of the skin is responsible for the appearance of numerous defects as skin spots, wrinkles, skin sagging, dryness, sunburn or, what is even more serious, the development of melanomas or skin cancers. The action of free radicals on skin cells is one of the most important factors in skin aging. The intake of vitamin C can help neutralize this process, aiding us to maintain a more youthful appearance for longer.
Although vitamin C is not a cure for cancer, it is very useful in patients undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy because it increases the defenses, usually impaired by this treatment.
We must not forget that, because of its antibacterial properties, vitamin C has the ability to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, reason why is has been considered very useful in preventing or healing stomach diseases, even stomach cancer tumors.
Vitamin C antioxidant properties to prevent body degeneration
It has also been found that the administration of vitamin C may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease or be useful in treating herpes. These same properties appear to have a positive influence on the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, as well as other degenerative diseases such as fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis.
Most of our body can benefit from the anti-degenerative properties of vitamin C. Our skin, eyes, ears, arteries, muscles, kidneys, brain,… are affected by the inexorable effects of free radicals that damages our body and produces a deterioration in its condition and capabilities.
Eating vitamin C-rich foods or taking supplements of this vitamin is a good way to provide the antidote that can delay the process of cellular aging.
More information about vitamin C properties.
