Health

Vitamin C Benefits: Its Importance in our Lives

Over the past decade, the significance of vitamin C to the body has been met with modest acclaim and has gained traction to becoming one of the most talked-about vitamins today, and for a good reason. Also known as ascorbic acid, people generally believe that vitamin C is most helpful when one comes down with a common cold. But that is severely downplaying what this wonder nutrient is capable of in the body.

As collagen enthusiasts at Let’s Talk Collagen state, Vitamin C’s crucial role in the formation and preservation of the blood vessels, muscles, collagen, and cartilage in the bones is one of the reasons this vitamin is important.

Ascorbic acid mainly deals with the repair and growth of body tissues, making it one of the essential vitamins for muscle growth and bodybuilders. Vitamin C is also an immune support vitamin and provides an immune boost for kids and the full-grown.

In addition, the nutrient’s antioxidant properties offer protection to the skin cells from free radicals emitted by the sun’s radiation, X-rays, active or passive tobacco smoking, and the reactive oxidative species within our body system.

We’re only just scratching the surface here with the above benefits. The Brevard Health Alliance and WebMD let us know that recently published research in Seminars in Preventive and Alternative Medicine revealed that in 10 years, over 100 case studies have brought about an increase in the list of apparent benefits of ascorbic acid.

More studies have shown that vitamin C offers various protective roles in our cardiovascular and ocular health, mitigates the threat of cancer and stroke, and promotes longevity.

Vitamin C is water-soluble and can’t be produced naturally in the body, it can’t be stored either, so we depend on our daily food sources to replenish it.

It is available in numerous kinds of food, including fruits and leafy vegetables like citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, potatoes, and broccoli. Daily, most people acquire the nutrient from diet alone.

What Happens if my Body lacks Vitamin C?

Vitamin C deficiency could result from a poor diet plan, smoking habits, gastrointestinal complications, and certain types of cancer afflictions. If left unchecked, vitamin C deficiency halts collagen replacement and production in the body. Consequently, body tissues start disintegrating, and cell repairs stop. Other deficiency symptoms include slow wound healing, split and brittle hair ends, scurvy, joint and muscle pains, general weakness, and bruises on the skin surface.

How much Vitamin C do I Need Daily?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended dietary allowance, RDA, for an adult male and female are 90mg and 75mg per day, respectively.

AGE	RDA (MALE)	RDA (FEMALE)
0-6 months	40 mg	40 mg
7-12 months	50 mg	50 mg
9-13 years	45 mg	45 mg
14-18 years	75 mg	65 mg
19 years and above	90 mg	75 mg

However, the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is only a marker for decent health. The body can accommodate and utilize this vitamin at much higher doses. The maximum amount of ascorbic acid that should be taken daily by an adult and is unlikely to cause harm is 2000mg/day.

Studies have shown that 500mg to 1500mg daily doses could achieve impressive cardio, eye, and immune health results. Only an average of 15% of adults even bother to have up to 5 of the recommended 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Unless you fall under that measly 15%, chances are you need to utilize vitamin supplements.

What are Vitamin C’s Benefits?

Read on to find out how Vitamin C can and will improve your overall state of health.

Its Antioxidant attributes help protect from chronic disease

Free radicals are toxic substances that can be found in the body and on the skin. They are very harmful and cause damage to the body’s tissues and cells by increasing oxidative stress.

A buildup of these toxic wastes in the body could lead to serious health problems like cardiovascular (heart) disease and cancer. Antioxidants act to neutralize and eliminate these free radicals.

It fortifies the immune system

The spectacular effect of vitamin C on the immune system is arguably the nutrient’s most prevalent value. It is an immune support vitamin, and deficient people suffer from constant infective attacks attributed to a weakened immune system.

Evidence shows that vitamin C protects the immune system from oxidative stress, helps it in battling and terminating microbes, and although taking a dose won’t make that sniffly nose dry up instantly, it will get you to recovery town a lot faster.

It slows down aging and improves the skin’s appearance

Just like biotin and collagen, vitamin C works as an antioxidant with other micronutrients to keep your skin and hair looking healthy and supple.

According to a release by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, research conducted with the help of thousands of women between the ages of 40 and 75 found that higher Vitamin C ingestions were accompanied by a lower tendency to develop wrinkles and dry skin.

Skin aging appearance is also improved. Some studies have shown that topical treatments with vitamin C as a key ingredient could reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve age-related macular degeneration. Based on this benefit alone, vitamin C is undoubtedly one of the essential women’s vitamins.

Vitamin C is a catalyst for collagen synthesis

Collagen is the main constituent of the connective tissues around the body and makes up about 2% of fibrous and muscle tissue. It is a vital part of several body tissues and organs like the bones, cartilages, ligaments, tendons, eyes, blood vessels and, of course, our skin, hair, and nails.

Collagen is the most abundant scleroprotein in our body, and it depends on vitamin C for its synthesis. Vitamin C-based topical preparations increase the skin’s collagen production. Increased collagen replacement and synthesis means faster wound healing and younger-looking skin.

This is another benefit that essential women’s vitamins must provide.

Ascorbic acid helps improve brain function

Vitamin C plays a vital role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain, and the enhancement of cognitive function. In other words, it is a vitamin that helps with concentration.

A published study in the September issue of Nutrients magazine elaborated that cognitively integral study participants had higher concentrations of ascorbic acid than those with impaired cognition. This entails that higher doses of vitamin C may increase brain function.

Conclusion

At reasonable doses, vitamin C supplements are generally safe. It is advisable to use daily multivitamin capsules or tablets in addition to a rich and varied diet.

This is because most people don’t get enough vitamin C and numerous other nutrients. Discuss with your primary healthcare professional first before deciding to take supplements long-term.

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Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP