Some important FactsAbout Vitamin C
If you could takeonly a single vitamin, it must be Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. the function of vitamin C in the body is notcompletely understood. Chemically it functions as a reducing agent. Vitamin Cconcentrates in the organs and tissues of high metabolic activity such asthe adrenal and pituitary glands, the brain, eyes, ovaries and other vitaltissues.
Functions of VitaminC
One of the most important functions of Vitamin C or ascorbicacid is in the synthesis and maintenance of collagen.. Collagen is theprotein-like cement that supports andholds the body’s tissues and organs together. Collagen cannot be formed withoutascorbic acid and in the absence ofcollagen, our body’s most extensive tissue system, we would disintegrate and dissolve away..Whenthere is deficiency in Vitamin C , it results to disturbance in collagenproduction causing occurrence of fearful aspects of scurvy, the brittle bones that fracture at theslightest impact since collagen providesbones with their elasticity and toughness, the weakened arteries that rupturethe bleed,etc. the gradual deteriorationof collagen formation is associated with the entire aging process.
Vitamin also functions as a powerful detoxifier in the body. it negates the effects of heavymetals such as lead, mercury, andarsenic, the carbon monoxide and sulfurdioxide of air pollution and many other carcinogens which if notdetoxified can cause cancer.
Vitamin C also increases the therapeutic of various drugs and medicines such as aspirinand insulin, while at the same time reducing their toxic side effects. In large doses , Vitamin C has antiseptic and bacteriocidal qualities. In very large doses about 10grams to 1000 grams, it helps kill viruses.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Severe deficiency of Vitamin C leads to the sickness known as scurvy. Thesymptoms include hemorrhage into the muscles and skin, tenderness and aching ofjoints, a general weakening ofconnective tissues, lethargy, loss of appetite and anemia.
The following are symptoms of scurvy :
- failure of strength
- skin becomes sallow and dusky
- the gums swell and ulcerate
- breath becomes foul
- blood penetrates the muscles and other tissues causinga severe bruising
- in final stage deep exhaustion and diarrhea
- as well as pulmonary and kidney trouble leading todeath.
Vitamin C and the Mind
Mental symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency are fatigue, listlessness, lassitude,confusion and depression. the face wears a haggard frowning, “pained” expression with a carewornknitted brow.
Confusional states in the elderly often mistakenlyconsidered as senility may be due to Vitamin C deficiency and will clearwith intake of 1000milligrams of VitaminC daily for three weeks.
Vitamin C in doses of one to two grams at a time works as a tranquilizer for the anxious. due to the vitamin’s sedative effects ,similar doses help the insomniac fall asleep.
A dosage of 3 to 30 grams of Vitamin C daily are helpful insevere mental illness, where the sufferers is stressed by extreme anxiety.Possibly also Vitamin C acts to detoxify a brain poison, as Vitamin C helps convert a body chemical ,adrenochrome to leucoadrenochrome, anon-toxic substance. one theory ofschizophrenia is that the substance adrenochrome is converted instead toadrenolutin, a toxin which causes hallucination and bizarre sensorydys-perception.
Sources of Vitamin C
Leafy green vegetables
SOURCE :
VITAMIN SECRETS BY ROGEN INTERNATIONAL