Striving4Zen

Cardamom Citrus Fruit Salad, originally uploaded by Elise Bauer.

According to an article in CNN, also posted on Lime, after years of being shoved to the back of our collective medicine cabinets -- vitamin C is once again being hailed as a health superstar. Here are a few reasons vitamin C is back in the spotlight:

• Wrinkle prevention According a new study, vitamin C boosts collagen production, which keeps skin looking younger and less dry. That's probably why so many high-end natural skin care products feature vitamin C.

• Heart protection While C's role in heart disease prevention remains speculative, two large studies show that a diet high in vitamin C can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 25 percent.

• Fights cancer There's evidence that C administered intravenously kills cancer cells. Research also shows that a diet with C-laden fruits and veggies lowers the risk of bladder, esophagus, stomach and lung cancers.

• Reduces risk of Alzheimer's New research shows that vitamin C -- when coupled with vitamin E -- can protect brain tissue from age-related ailments, such as Alzheimer's and dementia.

• Aids the Eyes Move over carrots. Seems that vitamin C can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness amongst the elderly.

• Boosts Immunity Antioxidant-rich vitamin C has long been known to boost immunity, but scientists have found that pairing green tea and citrus ensures the antioxidant benefits remain in our systems for longer.

In general, nutritionists recommend getting vitamins the old-fashioned way: By eating lots of fruits and veggies. If you opt for a supplement, consult a physician and ask about adding vitamin E as well.

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