Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may be one of the body's most powerful and protective antioxidants. It cannot be stored long since it is water soluble so it's important to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day.

Vitamin C May Prevent Cancer

Vitamin C may block the conversion of nitrates and nitrites into cancer-causing compounds. Low intake of vitamin C is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly cancers of the stomach and esophagus.

Vitamin C May Prevent Cataracts

Several studies show that vitamin C is important in preventing eye diseases such as cataracts. For example, there was a 45% lower risk of cataracts among women who used vitamin C supplements for 10 or more years. Similarly, using data from the Physicians' Health Study, a study of 17,774 male physicians age 40 to 84 years, Scientists found a decreased risk of cataracts among those who took supplements compared with those who didn't. Cataracts affects 18% of those age 65 to 74 and 46% of those age 75 to 85 years (Taylor, 1989).

Vitamin C May Protect Against Heart Disease

Vitamin C also protects against heart disease. In a 10 year study of 11,348 adults ages 25 to 74 comparing people who consumed about 300 to 400 mg of vitamin C with those who consumed less than 50 mg daily, researchers found that those who consumed the higher levels of vitamin C reduced their overall risk of death by 42 percent and their risk of death of heart attacks by 45 percent.