Juices of citrus fruits may refresh your mind and body and you may get an overall sense of well-being, being knowledgeable about the fact that vitamin C, present in such fruits, act as an excellent antioxidant and has an outstanding effect on skin health.
And now, this sense of well-being may shoot up further with a research conducted by experts at the Oregon Health & Science University, claiming that vitamin C promotes the proper functioning of the retinal cells.
The study authors have suggested that the retinal cells, both in their inner and outer parts, need to be bathed in the vitamin so as to function properly. The retina is actually a part of the central nervous system and the finding signifies that vitamin C has a higher degree of role to play in our brains.
Certain special brain receptors called the GABA receptors aid in the modulation of communication between the brain cells. The GABA receptors perform the role of "brakes" on the brain's excitatory neurons. This study showed that the GABA-type receptors found in the retinal cells stopped operating properly when they were deprived of vitamin C.
And retinal cells, being readily accessible brain cells, also indicate the fact that vitamin C is also required by the other GABA receptors located in the other parts of the brain. The researchers have suggested that this natural antioxidant conserves the brain receptors and cells by protecting them from premature breakdown.
The exact function of vitamin C in the brain has not yet been established. And notably, when the body lacks vitamin C, the brain tends to hold it for a longer time. Again, vitamin c deficiency causes scurvy, which in turn, leads to depression. And this may possibly result from vitamin deficiency in the brain.
Based on the findings, researchers have concluded that a diet, rich in vitamin C, offers neuroprotection for the retina and this will greatly benefit those who are susceptible to glaucoma. They are hopeful about the development of new hypotheses and potential treatment options.
