History of the discovery of vitamin C is associated with scurvy. In those days, the disease was particularly struck by mariners. Strong, brave sailors were powerless to scurvy, which also often led to death. Disease manifests general weakness, bleeding gums, resulting in falling out teeth, rash, hemorrhages on the skin. But still found a way of cure. For example, sailors, following the example of the Indians, began to drink water extract of pine needles, which is a repository of vitamin C. In the XVIII century the British Navy surgeon James Lind showed that the disease can be cured sailors, adding to their diet fresh fruits and vegetables. Still another interesting fact: Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi, the discoverer of vitamin C, in fact, opened up a whole complex of vitamins and showed that with rut in and bioflavonoids effect of vitamin C is especially powerful.

According to renowned author of "Atkinson Diet" by Dr. Robert Atkinson: "Vitamin C has a great importance for our health, that I do not even recall the disease when taking this vitamin will not lead to any improvements. What kind of disease or take, whether a cold or cancer, hypertension or asthma, in all cases, we can recommend taking the vitamin ...”

Sources of vitamin C

The main and most well-known source of vitamin C - is, of course, citrus. Other plant sources are: rose hips, green vegetables, currants, tomatoes, cauliflower and potatoes. From animal products rich in vitamin C liver.

Daily vitamin C

On average, our body needs 70 mg of vitamin C. But do not forget that everybody is different, and that there are age restrictions. The need for vitamin C is influenced by seasonal factors, stress. It was also found that when taking certain medications (egg, contraception) the need for vitamin C increases.

What is vitamin C?

The main function of vitamin C - it strengthens the immune system. And, above all, it needs help white blood cells that consume supply of vitamin C for Disease Control. Linus Polling hypothesized that colds can be permanently cured by taking high doses of vitamin C (1 - 5 grams per day for 1 - 2 days). The results showed that vitamin C significantly relieves the symptoms of colds. This action is due to the ability of vitamin C to mobilize the body's immune system. It was also shown that daily intake of ascorbic acid athletes runners allows them to completely avoid upper respiratory tract infections, which are occupational diseases such athletes.

Vitamin C activates the synthesis of interferon - antiviral basic "tools" cells. Vitamin C is especially effective in combination with zinc, bioflavonoids, vitamin A, which together comprise the "anti-infective coalition. Nature itself created such a powerful duo, with these vitamins in plants is also located in the complex.

Vitamin C and free radicals

It is well known that vitamin C - one of the key elements in our antioxidant system. Free radicals pose a great threat to cells because of its high reactivity. Why do they call it free? The fact that these compounds have unpaired electrons, i.e., they are flawed in its structure and, therefore, to make, they take those same electrons are missing in almost any molecule. All this leads to disruption of cell life. Vitamin C is able to make free radicals harmless. Also, along with vitamin E and-carotene, vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for the eyes. Vitamin C lowers intraocular pressure by reducing the risk of developing cataracts.