Vitamin C as an antioxidant, it protects the body against oxidative stress and helps prevent the oxidation of other molecules. It appears to regenerate other antioxidants in the body, too.

The body relies on vitamin C to launch an effective immune response, a human body can't make its own vitamin C or store the nutrient efficiently so the best way to meet your daily requirement is to consume vitamin-rich fruits, vegetables and fortified foods.

"People who consume more fruit and vegetables will not only have higher levels of vitamin C, but higher intake of other nutrients potentially beneficial to health, such as fiber and other vitamins and minerals.