5 Whole Body Benefits of Vitamin C

Also known as “L-ascorbic acid”—we just call it the vitamin that does it all

We’re in the midst of a consumer boom surrounding vitamins—and so much of it comes down to marketing, as well as the fact that people are living longer and healthier. Beautifully branded dietary supplements and multivitamins have flooded the wellness market, making grand claims about how they can improve your overall health.

While there can be many great benefits to these types of supplements, we’re also big believers in getting down to the basics. Vitamin C, in particular, has captured a great deal of attention from the health and skincare world—and it’s easy to see why.

When taken at its appropriate amount (ideally 500 mg daily, non-acidic and buffered form of the vitamin to avoid upsetting your tummy), it can have a profound effect on your overall health. It’s even better when it’s straight from the source—we’re talking bell peppers, citrus (oranges, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit), strawberries, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts), tomatoes, and white potatoes. Below, we’ll dig into all the amazing benefits of Vitamin C.

1. It fends off heart disease & cancer

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are harmful substances that we self-produce that damage our tissue and cells in the body. By taking in Vitamin C, which is high in antioxidants, we are better able to help defend against heart disease and certain types of cancers.

2. It makes your skin glow

Another way of taking Vitamin C is by using it as a skincare product. We recommend LaserAway Beauty Wake Me Up Vitamin C Firming Day Serum, which is made with targeted ingredients that fight damage from pollution, as well as boost collagen and even skin tone. The result: Skin that’s softer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

3. It strengthens the immune system

Science tells us that a deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to an increased rate of infections. Taking it once you already feel sick won’t likely have much of an effect on slowing down your illness, but some studies have shown that consistently taking it (in smaller doses) can help fend off eventual sickness.

4. It can help your vision

One way to get ahead of macular degeneration? You guessed it—Vitamin C. It can also help slow down the development of cataracts in the eyes. Once again, this is all thanks to the incredible power of antioxidants.

5. It makes you smarter

Well, not necessarily smarter, per se, but in some scientific studies, it has shown to help your cognitive abilities and neurotransmitter synthesis, which help send messages from the brain to the rest of the body. It’s basically brain food!