Studies Support Vitamin C for Heart Health

One of the most recent studied areas of vitamin C benefits is that of cardiovascular health. Researchers are finding that vitamin C impacts several aspects of heart health health, ranging from blood pressure to endothelial health. Perhaps it’s not surprising that as the relationship between oxidative damage, inflammation, and atherosclerosis becomes increasingly investigated by science, vitamin C is seen as a key protective element against many aspects of cardiovascular disease. Here are five studies with supporting evidence.

  1. A study published in the journal, Clinical Investigation and Reportsfound that Vitamin C improved what researchers called “flow dependent dilation” in patients with chronic heart failure. This means ascorbic acid helped arteries dilate under stress to improve flow and hence oxygen carrying ability.
  2. A recent Colorado study found that taking 500mg of Vitamin C daily had the same effect in obese, sedentary people as exercise in decreasing the amount of a protein that causes blood vessels to narrow. Of course that doesn’t mean you should stop exercising and replace activity with Vitamin C.
  3. Several studies have found that low Vitamin C levels can cause increased blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in arteries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although that doesn’t mean Vitamin C can cure those conditions, it does mean people should make an effort to get enough Vitamin C in their diets through fruits and vegetables.
  4. A European study published in July 2015 found that high blood concentrations of Vitamin C from eating fruits and vegetables was linked to a 15 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

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