Research has shown that Vitamin C is in fact an essential nutrient responsible for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body. Vitamin C aids in wound healing and repair and also maintains healthy bones, teeth, skin and cartilage. It is also a strong antioxidant which defends the body against harmful molecules, also known as free radicals which are leading causes of infections.
Over the years, the many benefits of vitamin C have made the rounds making it quite the popular essential nutrient especially for its immune boosting effects. Yes! Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all time, studies have also shown that a deficiency of vitamin C leaves the body prone to infectious diseases.
A daily intake of Vitamin C is essential for good health, this is because it is not produced or stored in the body like other nutrients such as Calcium and Vitamin D. Aside Citrus fruits like your orange and tangerine, there are other sources of vitamin c rich foods to stock up on if you’re looking to get or keep your levels up;
- Strawberries
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Blackcurrants
- Brussels sprouts
- Potatoes
- Kiwi Fruit
Going forward, we’ll be taking a look at the role this important nutrient plays in the body’s immunity from a more scientific view;
Vitamin C Supports The Production Of Interferons
Interferons facilitate the ability of cells to initiate protective cellular defenses. They are produced when pathogens are detected in the body.
Vitamin C Enhances The Function Of Phagocytes
Phagocytes are a kind of white blood cells that surrounds pathogens and other dangerous particles. Once the intruders are captured, they are digested and neutralized enzymatically.
Vitamin C Is Mainly Found In White Blood Cells
Some of the primary cells of the immune system have levels of vitamin C up to 80 times higher than the levels found in the plasma.
Vitamin C Supports Cellular Immune Response.
There are 2 main ways that the body can respond to a pathogen: antibody immunity and cellular immunity. The cell-mediated response refers to the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells, and antigen-specific T-lymphocytes that attack anything that is perceived as a foreign agent.
Vitamin C Enhances Cytokine Production By White Blood Cells.
Cytokines are communication proteins released from certain white blood cells and transmit information to other cells, thus promoting immune response.
Vitamin C Enhances The Production Of Nitrogen Oxide By Phagocytes.
Nitrogen oxide is produced in massive quantities in these cells, and is one of the factors that kill captured pathogens.
Vitamin C Enhances The Production Of T-Lymphocytes.
These cells are essential for cell-mediated immune responses, and vitamin C helps to multiply them in number.
Vitamin C Increases The Production Of B Lymphocytes.
These white blood cells produce the antibodies as part of the antibody-mediated immune response. These antibodies are formed in response to the initial introduction of an invading pathogen or antigen.
Vitamin C Inhibits The Production Of Neuraminidase.
Some pathogenic viruses and bacteria create neuraminidase, an enzyme that keeps them from being trapped in the mucus, one of the natural lines of body defense. By inhibiting neuraminidase, vitamin C helps to optimize this defense mechanism of the body.
Vitamin C Favors The Formation Of Prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are hormones compounds that control a variety of physiological processes, including regulation of T-cell function.
Vitamin C Supports The Production And Activity Of Antibodies which help to Neutralize Oxidative Stress.