Your body can’t produce vitamin C on its own, so you need to get it from external sources. This essential vitamin can be found in fruits and vegetables like citrus, bell peppers, strawberries, and spinach. Though it’s generally recommended to get your recommended daily amount of vitamin C from diet, that’s not always possible. Many people benefit from taking supplements to increase their intake of this important vitamin. Here are some reasons why you may benefit from taking vitamin C:

1. Boost Your Immune System

One of the most well-known benefits of taking vitamin C is its boosting effects on the immune system. This vitamin supports many areas of immunity, from the production and function of white blood cells to strengthening the skin’s barriers to keep out invaders. As an antioxidant, vitamin C also protects white blood cells from damage. Studies have found that taking vitamin C can help shorten the duration of illness and speed up wound healing.

2. Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Diseases

As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which has been linked to many chronic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even some cancers. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties can help prevent or reduce this oxidative stress to keep your cells healthy, lower inflammation, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

3. Prevent Anemia

Iron is an essential mineral that your body uses to make red blood cells and transport oxygen around your body. A deficiency of iron can lead to anemia. Vitamin C helps your body better absorb iron from your diet. The type of iron found in plant-based foods is difficult to absorb, but vitamin C converts it into a more easily absorbed form. This is why it’s especially important for vegetarians and vegans to take vitamin C to prevent iron deficiency and anemia.

4. Protect Brain Function

Vitamin C plays an important role in brain health. As an antioxidant, this vitamin helps prevent the negative effects of oxidative stress in your brain, which may protect cognitive function as you age. Low levels of vitamin C have been linked to impaired thinking ability and memory. Studies suggest taking this vitamin may reduce the risk of neurodegeneration related to aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS).

5. Manage Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, vitamin C may be able to help. Approximately one-third of American adults struggle with high blood pressure, and this condition increases your risk of heart disease–the leading cause of death worldwide. Taking vitamin C may help relax the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart, resulting in lower blood pressure. Lowering your blood pressure can in turn reduce your risk of heart disease and other health issues.

These are some of the many benefits of taking vitamin C. In addition to vitamin C, your body needs a number of other essential vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and function at its best. Taking a multivitamin like Village MultiBalance Daily can supply your body with the nutrients it needs, including vitamin C.