Dr Linus Pauling On Vitamin C And Heart Disease
Dr Linus Pauling was a renowned chemist and biochemist who won two Nobel prizes. He was a strong advocate of the use of vitamin C to prevent and treat heart disease. His work on the subject has been both praised and criticized, but it is still worth examining his findings.
Who Was Dr Linus Pauling?
Dr Linus Pauling was born in 1901 in Portland, Oregon. He was a brilliant student who earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University at the age of 19. He went on to earn his PhD in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology and became a professor there.
Pauling's work in chemistry and biochemistry earned him two Nobel prizes. He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 for his work on the nature of the chemical bond. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for his activism against nuclear weapons.
Pauling's Work On Vitamin C And Heart Disease
In the 1970s, Pauling became interested in the use of vitamin C to prevent and treat heart disease. He believed that vitamin C could help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which is a major cause of heart disease.
Pauling conducted several studies on the subject and published a book called "Vitamin C and the Common Cold" in 1970. In the book, he argued that vitamin C could not only prevent the common cold but also prevent and treat heart disease.
Criticism Of Pauling's Work
Pauling's work on vitamin C and heart disease has been both praised and criticized. Some studies have supported his findings, while others have found no benefit to taking vitamin C supplements.
Some critics have pointed out that Pauling may have had a conflict of interest, as he was heavily invested in a company that produced vitamin C supplements. Others have criticized his methodology, arguing that his studies were not well-designed or controlled.
The Legacy Of Pauling's Work
Despite the controversy surrounding Pauling's work, his legacy lives on. Many people still believe that taking vitamin C supplements can help prevent and treat heart disease. Others argue that a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are high in vitamin C, is a better way to get the nutrients your body needs.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it is clear that Dr Linus Pauling was a brilliant scientist who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry and biochemistry. His work on vitamin C and heart disease may be controversial, but it is still worth considering as we continue to search for ways to prevent and treat this deadly disease.