Embrace Radiant Health and Vitality with Vitamin C
By Beth Oehlhof, CFNC with Wild Joy Functional Nutrition
In our relentless pursuit of well-being amid the whirlwind of modern life, the role of essential nutrients has become increasingly crucial. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on the benefits of Vitamin C. From fortifying the immune system to supporting cardiovascular harmony, we explore the multifaceted contributions of Vitamin C and delve into the importance of choosing a whole food form for maximum impact.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient, is a pivotal player in our quest for well-being. Unlike most mammals, humans do not produce this essential vitamin, emphasizing the need to source it from our diets. While Vitamin C is found in various fruits and vegetables, our modern lifestyles may challenge us to obtain adequate amounts. This deficiency is where supplementation becomes essential.
What Does Vitamin C Do in The Body?
- Supports the Immune System
Vitamin C enhances the production and function of white blood cells, crucial for fighting infections and illnesses. - Collagen Synthesis for Structural Support
A key player in the synthesis of collagen, providing structural support to connective tissues, blood vessels, bones, skin, gums, and teeth while also promoting wound and tissue healing. - Facilitates Iron Absorption
Enhances the absorption of non-heme iron in the intestines, aiding in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. - Powerful Antioxidant and Regenerates Other Antioxidants
Acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals, supporting overall cellular health, and preventing chronic diseases and regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin E, maximizing their effectiveness against oxidative stress. - Contributes to Energy Metabolism
Plays a role in synthesizing carnitine, supporting healthy metabolism and energy production. - Supports Cardiovascular Health Contributes to the health of blood vessels and arteries, potentially reducing blood pressure and heart disease risk.
- Aids in Neurotransmitter Synthesis Plays a role in synthesizing neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to brain health and mood regulation.
- Enhances Immune Response During Stress
Supports the immune system during periods of increased stress by compensating for decreased Vitamin C levels.
Why a Whole Food Form of Vitamin C is Best
In the realm of nutritional supplements, the source matters, especially when it comes to Vitamin C. While synthetic forms of this essential nutrient are prevalent, opting for a whole food form holds distinct advantages for your well-being.Whole food Vitamin C provides a bioavailable and organic form, free of synthetic additives or GMOs, and contains a complex matrix of phytonutrients, providing a more comprehensive range of health benefits. The diverse phytonutrients also enhance the bioavailability of Vitamin C, ensuring better absorption, utilization, and retention within the body giving us long-lasting benefits which are gentle on the digestive system. This is great news for anyone who has experienced the digestive discomfort associated with the synthetic form of Vitamin C.
How Do I Know if My Supplement is Natural and Not Synthetic?
Careful label reading is key. Many supplements labeled “natural” may still contain synthetic forms. Avoid labels that simply state: “ascorbic acid.”
What is Ascorbic Acid?
Ascorbic acid (AA) forms the outer shell of the wholefood vitamin C complex. Isolated ascorbic acid provides only a fraction of the vitamin C complex, and does not contain the copper-rich tyrosinase enzyme that the body needs to support core functions in our metabolic processes. Taking isolated Ascorbic Acid without the cofactors present in the whole C complex requires the body to divert valuable resources in order to assimilate it.
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, was discovered in 1912, isolated in 1928, and first synthesized in 1933. By the 1960s, China was mass producing the synthetic version of this vitamin, and the vast majority of vitamin C supplements you’ll find in the marketplace are of this cheap, chemically made form. Often synthetic ascorbic acid is derived from genetically modified corn and processed with a host of chemicals such as acetone. While some practitioners advocate taking megadoses of ascorbic acid, much lower doses of whole-food C are sufficient to supply the body with the nutrients it needs.
Why we Love Pureway-C® Plus
- Combines naturally occurring ascorbic acid with several types of lipid metabolites (fats derived from vegetable sources) and bioflavonoids (antioxidants) to enhance bioavailability.
- Clinically tested to offer more efficient immune protection from toxins by 2.5 times.
- Clinically tested to stimulate healthy neurons 12 times more rapidly.
- Clinically tested to have a 12% higher antioxidant effect and 11% higher free radical scavenging activity.
- Includes the bioflavonoid, Quercetin, to further support immune function.
- Includes the essential amino acid, Lysine, for optimal heart and immune health.
- Retains a complex matrix of phytonutrients, including bioflavonoids, polyphenols, catechins, anthocyanins, rutin, and enzymes, providing holistic health benefits.
Every choice you make in nourishing your body, whether through Vitamin C-rich foods or a thoughtful supplement like Pureway-C® Plus™, contributes to your holistic well-being.
With the multifaceted benefits of Vitamin C and the wisdom of a whole food approach in mind, we encourage you to weave these insights into your daily lifestyle. The choices you make in nourishing your body play a pivotal role in your well-being. Here’s to embracing radiant health and vitality—one conscious choice at a time.
Meet Beth Oehlhof, Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor
Beth Oehlhof, the heart and soul behind WildJoy Functional Nutrition, is a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor. With a passion for functional medicine and holistic well-being, Beth offers a personalized, root cause approach to health. Take the next step in your wellness journey by scheduling a free nutrition consult or a 2024 health goal setting session with Beth.
Wildjoynutrition.com
IG: @wildjoyfn
Email: beth@wildjoynutrition.com
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