Slice an apple into half, and it turns brown. A copper penny suddenly becomes green, or an iron nail when left outside, will rust. What do all these events have in common? These are examples of a process called oxidation. If the sliced apple is dipped in lemon juice, however, the rate at which the apple turns brown is slowed. This is because the Vitamin C in the lemon juice slows the rate of oxidative damage.

Vitamin C has earned the reputation of being a “wonder worker” ever since it was discovered 65 years ago. Vitamin C is an essential component of the immune system and a powerful combatant of free radicals due to its involvement in the synthesis of collagen and other vital processes. Research has demonstrated that this multifunctional nutrient helps fend off a wide range of disorders, from minor colds to deadly conditions like cancer. 

In the scientific community, the water-soluble vitamin C is referred to as ascorbic acid, which literally translates as “without scurvy.” Ascorbic acid is essential to many elements of our biochemical functioning, and humans are one of the few animal species that cannot make vitamin C on their own. Like these other animals, including primates and guinea pigs, we have no choice but to obtain this nutrient through food or our daily diet. 

Vitamin C can enhance the body’s resistance to different diseases, including infections and certain types of cancer. by promoting the function of antibodies and immune system cells like phagocytes and neutrophils, it fortifies and shields the immune system. 

Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, helps reduce the activity of free radicals. Free radicals are by-products of normal metabolism which can damage cells and set the stage for aging, degeneration, and cancer. 

The fact that vitamin C is utilized to treat cancer shouldn’t be shocking. Vitamin C is occasionally injected into the vein in significant amounts as part of the cancer treatment.

Vitamin C shields the lungs from the damaging effects of free radicals and may even help shield the central nervous system from them. Molecules having an unpaired electron are known as free radicals. They are extremely disruptive and reactive to anything that stands in their way when they are in this state. 

Although free radicals have been implicated in many diseases, they are actually a part of the body chemistry. 

Vitamin C’s main function as an antioxidant is to counteract free radicals. Because ascorbic acid dissolves in water, it can prevent damage from free radicals both within and outside of cells.

Vitamin C is an excellent source of electrons; therefore, it “can donate electrons to free radicals such as hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and quench their reactivity.”

The adaptable vitamin C also restores the antioxidant vitamin E, which is fat-soluble, in conjunction with glutathione peroxidase, a significant enzyme that combats free radicals. Therefore, vitamin C not only directly scavenges free radicals in fluids but also adds to the antioxidant activity in lipids.

Optimal health, however, requires a balance between free radical generation and antioxidant protection. Vitamin C can capture and neutralize these free radicals before they do too much harm. 

However, there is research to show that vitamin C may act as a pro-oxidant. Put differently, vitamin C has the potential to behave contrary to its intended purpose in specific circumstances.

 This has raised concern among thousands of people who supplement their diets with vitamin C…but that’s another story.