Vitamin E Benefits

Many supplements claim health benefits. Consumers are inundated with information regarding health related products. However, vitamin E benefits are authenticated. Vitamin E has undergone extensive scientific research over the past 30 plus years. In fact, the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published numerous studies that indicate Vitamin E Benefits for illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. In addition, the ODS acknowledges this essential nutrient is a powerful antioxidant.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

While this term sounds ominous, it is simply a species of molecules produced by the body during conversion of food to energy. These molecules are better known as free radicals. These are molecules that contain an unshared electron. The molecules react with oxygen to form the ROS. Unfortunately, ROS is known to cause damage to cells within the body. The body is not the only source of ROS. The environment exposes the body to this cell damaging species through outside factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, and cigarette smoke.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is fat-soluble. It can prevent production of Reactive Oxygen Species that are formed when fat is oxidized. Currently, scientific investigation is considering the possibility that preventing production of free radicals through the use of antioxidants may help delay or prevent diseases associated with the destruction of healthy cells by free radicals. This theory has not yet been proven, however, it is proven that it inhibits the oxidation process.

Healthy Cells

While its ability to prevent free radicals from developing is astounding, this nutrient is involved in many of the cell functions in the body. It is an important nutrient for a healthy immune system. It is also involved in gene expression and cell signaling. It is can replete the endothelial cells that line the walls of blood vessels which prevent blood components from sticking to the lining. The human body needs an adequate supply of this powerful nutrient to function properly.

Currently, the Office of Dietary Supplements recognizes four diseases in which this powerful nutrient may play a role in preventing or aiding in the treatment of the diseases. Research continues to determine the role of Vitamin E Benefits in cognitive decline, cancer, heart disease, and eye disorders.

Cognitive Decline

The brain contains an abundance of fatty acids. In addition, is uses a high amount of oxygen. Many scientists believe that free radicals damage neurons, which over time contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. The ingestion of antioxidants may prevent damage to neurons and reduce cognitive decline.

Cancer

Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals. If the damage is left unchecked, the damage may contribute to the development of cancer. In addition, this nutrient is known to boost the immune system. Current research continues to determine if vitamin E can protect against cancer. To date, completed research is inconclusive. However, scientists have discovered this vital nutrient may block carcinogenic nitrosamines from forming in the stomach. The formation of these carcinogenic nitrosamines may be responsible for some forms of cancer.

Heart Disease

Extensive research has shown vitamin E can delay or prevent heart disease. This amazing nutrient is shown to minimize the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is believed to be a crucial step in the formation atherosclerosis, which causes heart disease. Vitamin E may also prevent blood clots from forming. Blood clots can cause thromboembolism and heart attacks.

Eye Disorders

Macular degeneration and cataracts are a common problem among the elderly. Both diseases can result in vision loss. The cause of both diseases is thought to be related oxidative stress. It is believed that antioxidants may be used to treat and prevent both of these diseases.

Research continues regarding Vitamin E Benefits. Since this nutrient is a powerful antioxidant and is known to boost the immune system, it is a vital nutrient for a healthy body. However, many vitamin E benefits are external.

Minimizing Scars

This amazing nutrient is a wonderful treatment for scars. Many people puncture the liquid capsule to rub the oil on new scars. Unbelievably, it softens scars during the healing process. The scars may still be visible; however, the scars are significantly minimized.

Dry Skin Treatment

Vitamin E

Virtually all body lotions contain this rich nutrient. It is a soothing moisturizer that relieves the itching associated with dry skin. It promotes skin health from inside and outside of the body. Since it contains antioxidants, it is a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin care lines. It is also used in popular body washes to prevent dry skin. Today, most lipsticks, eye shadows, mascaras, and foundations contain this powerful antioxidant.

Scientific research continues to determine how this powerful antioxidant can prevent or treat diseases. While much of this research remains inconclusive, it is clear there is significant potential in this incredible nutrient. While the research may not be conclusive at this time, it is an important health supplement that is worth taking.

You can increase your intake and reap the vitamin E benefits by incorporating the following foods in your diet:

  • Wheat Germ Oil
  • Tomatoes
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Almonds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Peanut Butter
  • Corn Oil
  • Mangoes

These are just a few foods that contain this particular vitamin. There are many more foods that contain this vital nutrient. However, to ensure you consume an adequate amount of this vital nutrient, you can take a daily supplement. It is important to follow the daily-recommended values to ensure you do not take too much.

If you eat a healthy diet, you are likely to consume a sufficient supply of this important nutrient. If your diet poor, you may want to consider buying a supplement. A poor diet does not necessarily mean you are deficient in this nutrient; however, you are probably not meeting the daily-recommended value.

Take advantage of vitamin E benefits to keep your body and mind healthy. While there are hundreds of health supplements that claim astounding health benefits, vitamin E is one supplement that delivers extensive and proven benefits.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is not one particular substance but has eight chemical forms and all of them are fat soluble. They all have very powerful antioxidant properties and the term Vitamin E is used as an umbrella term for all of them. These fat soluble compounds are – alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and delta-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrieno, beta- tocotrieno, gamma- tocotrieno and delta-tocotrieno. All of them exist naturally but it is alpha-tocopherol which is the most active one in the human body and a potent bio-antioxidant. This article will go some way towards explaining just what is Vitamin E.

What does Vitamin E do in the Body?

Vitamin E is a compound that is fat-soluble and it acts as an antioxidant. How does the antioxidant activity work? Certain molecules in our body have electrons that are unshared and these are called free radicals. These could be formed thanks to pollution, smoke or the sun’s UV rays or even when digestion takes place in the body. They are instrumental in causing harm right through the body because they damage cells. These electrons are very quick to react with oxygen and this oxidative process gives rise to ROS or reactive oxygen species. Vitamin E stops the production of ROS and it helps to delay or even stop the cause of chronic ailments in the body like cancers or cardiac diseases.

Upping the Body’s Immunity

Vitamin E is very active when it comes to the body’s immune system which is the body’s invisible shield against diseases. What it does is to curtail the action of Protein Kinase C, the enzyme that is responsible for the proliferation of cells and in the malfunctioning of platelets, monocytes and muscle cells. When cells have an adequate amount of Vitamin E in them, they are able to withstand anything sticking to the surface much better and this in turn limits the activity of this enzyme. The presence of Vitamin E makes the blood vessels to dilate and this reduces the aggregation or clumping together of platelets. Vitamin E repairs the DNA in the body. Certain studies show that when this vitamin is included in an older person’s diet regimen, it helps to ward off a great many diseases.

Where is Vitamin E Found?

What is Vitamin E

The main sources of Vitamin E are foods that are rich in them. Today, Vitamin E is also available as natural or synthetic supplements by way of capsules, creams and oils. The foods that have a high content of Vitamin E are sweet potatoes, spinach, wheat germ, avocados, eggs, salmon, tuna and broccoli. Most green leafy vegetables contain Vitamin E and so do most nuts. Vegetables oils too are a good source of this vitamin. Milk is a good source too but to get the full Vitamin E benefits, it should be low fat milk or milk products. Lean cuts of meat and poultry are also good sources.

One of the things to be aware of is that highly processed foods are unlikely to contain Vitamin E. While buying vegetables and meats or fish, it would be preferable to opt for fresh, locally grown produce that is organic and this will give you the best possible sources for natural Vitamin E.

How much Vitamin E Do We Need?

It is believed, after considerable research, that adults need 15 mg of Vitamin E every day. Do we get enough? Not by any stretch of the imagination. A very famous researcher, Dr. Evan Shute, who has been studying Vitamin E for decades feels that the everyday diet today falls far short of even the basic minimum, leaving us open to attacks by disease.

Vitamin E Supplements

Vitamin E supplements are mostly made of alpha-tocopherol which is synthetically produced. Today, certain Vitamin E supplements are available which contain all the Vitamin E compounds. As alpha-tocopherol is the main compound, most manufacturers concentrate only on this compound. Alpha-tocopherol in its natural form will be listed on a label as ‘d’ or ‘D’ whereas synthetic alpha-tocopherol will be listed as ‘dl’ or ‘DL’. Vitamin E is also available in foods that have been fortified with them, like certain cereals. In this case, the fact will be stated on the label.

While Vitamin E supplements are a good way to supplement the low Vitamin E intake that we have today, it might be a good thing to check out exactly how much the recommend dosage per day is and take a supplement accordingly. Taking supplements that have a very high dosage is of no use whatsoever for the body and while in most cases, it has no effect, in some cases, there could be a risk of too much. Vitamin E supplements are available in chewable tablets, gel capsules and drops.

When Should Vitamin E be Taken?

The best time to take Vitamin E if you are taking a supplement is to take it with your meals because it is a fat soluble compound and gets absorbed better when taken with food. If you are also taking iron tablets, remember to take them at least eight hours apart because iron can destroy Vitamin E. This does not pertain to natural iron sources in food but iron supplements.

Vitamin E External Use

Many skin softening products today are formulated with Vitamin E because it has such a great effect on the skin, making it soft and supple. From oils to creams to lotions to lip balms – Vitamin E is added in so many beauty products for the skin. It is even used as a topical cream for more serious skin diseases and it is known to give relief in most cases. There are a range of products that contain Vitamin E cream so keep a look out when shopping.

Like every other vitamin, mineral or supplement, Vitamin E should also be taken with judiciousness and one should realise that Vitamins, too, work together best in a balanced harmonious way in the body. So eating a balanced diet and supplementing it with just how much is needed is the best way to have balance and heath flowing through your body. Nutritional adequacy translates into a better immune system and better health and you should be aware just what is best to give your body this nutritional advantage. So hopefully now your question What is Vitamin E? has been answered and you are now ready to find out