Include Vitamin C in your diet to help boost immunity against non-communicable diseases

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient to boost immunity. It is observed that patients with common NCDs, like diabetes and hypertension, require more vitamin C than others, owing to the high oxidative stress seen in these patients. 

New Delhi: With an accelerated rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in India, Vitamin C has become one of the most needed nutrients to lead a healthy life. Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes form the leading NCDs affecting Indians, associated with the highest mortality rates.

Two-thirds of Indians affected by NCDs fall in the most productive age group (26 to 59 years), as per a 2021 ASSOCHAM report. Of these, diabetes and hypertension have particularly high associated burdens, with a prevalence of 2.9 percent and 3.6 percent respectively, across the country.

Alongside good diet and nutrition to enable better NCD management, there is a clear need for self-care solutions to maintain optimal health. While a healthy, balanced diet is essential for good nutrition, the country`s nutritional consumption is inadequate on its own, with people's existing diets contributing to malnutrition and rising NCD incidence.

Below-mentioned are three reasons why Vitamin C plays a vital role in NCD management:

1. Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) plays a crucial role in supporting various aspects of the immune system.