Vitamin C deficiency is just another condition seniors are prone to. Thankfully, there are ways to keep this at bay. By ensuring you get the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep in tiptop condition, you can receive a wide range of health benefits. Vitamin C is just one of the many nutrients essential to good health. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, including blackcurrants, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, kale, and spinach. In this article, you will find out more about the benefits of Vitamin C for seniors.
Promote Cardiovascular Health
Heart health is definitely something to watch as you get older. Vitamin C has been proven to boost heart health. By relaxing the blood vessels that play a part in the healthy flow of blood, your blood pressure can be maintained at a healthy level. When you adopt a diet rich in Vitamin C, you can reduce your risk of developing stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
Reduce Oxidative Stress
Because Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it comes with the benefit of preventing free radical damage within the body and protecting precious white blood cells. When your body lacks Vitamin C, oxidative stress can occur, and with it comes free radical damage. This can impair cell functioning and speed up the process of aging, leading to symptoms that include clogged arteries and wrinkled skin amongst many others. Ensuring you get your daily intake of Vitamin C can help to protect your cells and tissues against premature aging and damage.
Enhance Immune System
We all know that our immune system gets weaker with age. This means that seniors are more vulnerable to contracting diseases, ranging from the common cold to pneumonia. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and provides a natural line of defense against these diseases. With an increase in white blood cell production, your body is better equipped to ward off infections. Vitamin C can also speed up the recovery process when you do get sick.
Improve Iron Absorption
Did you know that anemia is more common in seniors over 65 than in the general population? As such, it’s important to make sure that your body absorbs enough iron. As iron is responsible for the production of hemoglobin, which assists red blood cells in transporting oxygen around the body, the level of healthy red blood cells in your body can decrease without enough iron. Vitamin C ensures that your body has an easier time when it comes to absorbing iron.
Your Health is Our Number One Priority at Discovery Commons At Bradenton
Aging in place comes with its own set of challenges, not least of all ensuring that you get a well-balanced diet. At Discovery Commons At Bradenton, our health & wellness program focuses on holistic health, including both mental and physical health. Our residents are provided with three nutritionally-balanced and delicious meals each day, ensuring that they get their daily dose of all the vitamins they need. To find out more about our senior living community, please do not hesitate to schedule a tour with us.
