Flu is a disease that often attacks us even study says that 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year. And about 200,000 people hospitalized for flu complications, including high fever, dehydration and fatigue. More than one billion worldwide catch colds every year.
Every time the cold and flu season peaked, people taking vitamin C as the primary drug. Besides relying on it as a precaution. It was first used as a cold treatment in 1970. Today, so popular that people look for these vitamins through food supplements, fortified juices, fruits and vegetables.
In fact, vitamin C is touted as the most renowned nutrition. Ask anyone what they know about vitamins and vitamin C will always be one answer. Studies show that in this country, more than 40 percent of adults take supplements of vitamin C. In other parts of the world, the rate is 25 percent.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, otherwise known as ascorbic acid, an essential vitamin and antioxidant needed by the body to maintain muscle, blood vessels and bone. It also regulates the formation of collagen and the absorption of iron in the body, is also an essential nutrient.
It is soluble in water so it can be easily removed from the body if there is excess amount. Too bad though can not be produced by the human body. Humans along with chimpanzees, bats, birds and guinea pigs are some few beings who are unable to make their own vitamin C.
The good news is, apart from a lot manufactured in the form of supplements, can also be found in vegetables and fruits like broccoli, peppers, parsley, strawberries, lemon juice, papaya, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, oranges and brussels sprouts.
Vitamin C for Colds and Flu
Over the years, this vitamin has been the subject of much research. The researchers investigated how this vitamin can be a possible treatment or preventive measure for colds. A group of researchers reviewed 21 controlled trials that used 1-8 grams of vitamin C per day.
The findings show that people who take this amount of vitamin C has undergone a 23 percent reduction in common cold duration and severity of symptoms. The amount that can provide such protection is still being investigated but experts say that intake of one to three grams or 120 to 200 mg a day is enough to do the job.
In another study reviewed 23 controlled trials showed that vitamin C supplements provide more significant benefits to children than adults. The same study reported that two grams of vitamin per day is much more effective than one gram in reducing the duration of cold symptoms.
Recommended Allowances
For adults smoke, the recommended daily amount is 90 mg to 75 mg for men and women. Smokers are encouraged to take in a higher number such as 125 mg to 110 mg for men and women. They require a higher intake because smoking depletes easily store this vitamin. Pregnant women should try to get 80 to 85 mg per day, while breast-feeding mothers should get 115-120 mg daily.
Another benefit of vitamin C
Vitamin C has many health benefits other than a drug or a preventive measure for colds and flu. It's also very powerful as an antioxidant. It efficiently protects the body from rust phones carried by free radicals.
Free radicals are harmful substances produced by oxidative stress. This can cause a variety of medical conditions including heart disease, stroke and some cancers such as colon, esophagus, lung, stomach, and mouth. Vitamin C also helps the production of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.
Many studies have also shown that vitamins can lower blood pressure. It also helps maintain proper blood vessel dilation, which in turn may reduce the risk of heart failure, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol levels.
In addition, this vitamin also significantly reduce the level of lead in your system. People who live in urban areas suffer from lead poisoning that could negatively affect the mental and physical health. Children with high levels of toxicity are more prone to learning disabilities and developmental problems. Adults, on the other hand, would increase the risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage.
Whether it's cold and flu season or not, it's obvious that you will get much benefit from taking supplements of vitamin C. Be sure to eat balanced and nutritious diet because the food is still the best source of nutrition.
2 comments
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