When the winter months strike — bringing with it the dreaded cold and flu season– the first thing most people do is reach for the vitamin C, and for good reason. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient the body needs to maintain healthy functioning. While juicing up on the OJ when the sniffles hit is a common solution, most people are completely unaware of the benefits vitamin C has on all parts of the body. Many would be surprised to learn that vitamin C is, in fact, a key player in sexual functioning and is important to the health and wellness of the penis. It is no surprise, then, the health experts recommend getting a daily dose of vitamin C as part of a penis care regimen to help keep it running in tip-top shape.
Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning it dissolves in water. Because of this, it is easily used by the body, but unfortunately, it just as easily exits the body. Any excess vitamin C that the body does not use simply passes through in the urine, which means chugging an entire jug of OJ will not meet ones C needs for the entire week. It is therefore important to supply the body with vitamin C daily so that the body is in constant supply of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C works in the following ways:
- Growth and repair of tissue: Vitamin C helps to heal wounds and create healthy new tissue after an injury. It helps maintain the health of the skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, and even the teeth.
- Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin C, along with other antioxidants, helps to fight cancer-causing agents in the body. Every day, the body is exposed to harmful chemicals, known as free radicals, which are broken down in the body. Free radicals have numerous health side effects and contribute to the aging process; vitamin C can help reduce and repair the damage done by free radicals.
- Sexual health benefits: Vitamin C maintains collagen and skin condition, an important aspect of penile health. Vitamin C also contributes to the health of the blood vessel system, which, in turn, helps improve circulation. Because many sexual dysfunctions are exacerbated by decreased circulation, vitamin C may improve sexual performance and enhance penis feeling.
Food Sources of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in many foods, making its consumption relatively easy. In fact, all fruits and veggies contain at least trace amounts of Vitamin C. To get the most bang for the buck, men should load up on whole, unprocessed varieties that have the highest vitamin C content. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, pineapple, papaya, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and watermelon all pack a powerful dose of Vitamin C. So do broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peppers, leafy greens such as spinach and cabbage, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and winter squash. Eating the food raw, rather than cooked, also preserves the highest nutrient content.
Supplements
For those who don’t love fruits and veggies, or just want to be sure they are hitting the Recommended Dietary Allowance each day, (90 mg/day for men aged 19 and over) vitamin supplements are a good option. A daily multivitamin provides a balance of all essential vitamins. Men who want to reap the most direct penile benefits may benefit from a vitamin-enriched penis health crème (most experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil). The right crème can provide a nutrient boost to the penis in the most direct method possible by rubbing it on the skin of the penis, where the vitamins are instantly absorbed right where they are needed most.