Vitamin C deficiencies are found in diabetes, heart disease and most degenerative diseases. Cardiologist Thomas Levy, who wrote a comprehensive book on vitamin C, says this in his Stop America’s # 1 Killer:  “Vitamin C is very similar in chemical structure to glucose, helping to explain why insulin aids the cellular uptake of both glucose and vitamin C.”

Vitamin C deficiency is well known as the chief factor in scurvy.  It turns out it is very important in diabetes and coronary heart disease. In the case of diabetes, insulin helps the transport of vitamin C into the cell and insulin also is essential for the metabolism of glucose…the raw material for energy.  The heart, according to cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, needs at least 4 to 5 times the energy of any other organ.  Some would say it needs ten times the amount.

Another reason for needed vitamin C is the collagen factor, the breakdown of which causes scurvy. Muscle, especially the heart,  needs healthy collagen for partitions, valves and blood vessel walls.  It is the fiber throughout the body that is called “connective tissue”.   Not surprisingly with the breakdown of fiber in the blood vessels,  weak arteries are more succeptible to ruptures causing aneurysms, or blow outs that result in stroke or heart attack.

Bear in mind, there is a lot of junk science out there about vitamins. Vitamin C reporting is no exception.  Not only is vitamin C valuable in energy metabolism and collagen fiber formation but also as an antioxidant.   Numerous studies show its enhanced immunity and defense against disease.  It reduces inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and enhancing the white blood cells (the major assault army against disease). Inflammation is THE major factor in heart disease and diabetes.

Not all vitamin C is the same and natural sources, (fruits & vegetables)  should be included with supplements. (Human bodies normally do not manufacture the essential vitamin C and is obtained from your food or supplement supply.)  There are several forms of vitamin C and the full benefit and assimilation come with the aid of other nutrients found in the diet.  There are many phytonutrients, enzymes and minerals whose comprehensive function is not known in the body.  Supplements alone are seldom the answer, whole food is needed…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

P.S. Pass this information to an interested friend.  Tell him about this totally free blog:  http://naturalhealthsecrets.ws

Technorati Tags: diabetes, heart disease, scurvy, vitamin C