Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient, required for the healthy functioning of the human body. It is essential for the maintenance of blood vessels, good skin, bones, cartilage and it helps in shielding the cells from oxidative stress which is paramount in protecting the body from diseases including cancer. So basically it is the immune booster of our body that aids in protein metabolism, collagen production, and even healing of cuts and wounds.  Non-heme iron (found in vegetables such as spinach, lentils, etc), which is important for the body can be absorbed only with the assistance of vitamin c.