What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin E

Vitamin E supplements are one of the most widely known and used supplements today. In fact, vitamin E capsules are sold over the counter in many pharmacies and discount stores. Perhaps, you even have a bottle or two of them in your kitchen cabinet, medicine chest, or bathroom closet. Maybe your physician, a friend, or neighbor has even recommended that you take a vitamin E supplement to improve your health and to reduce your risk of certain diseases. Have you ever wondered what the benefits of vitamin E are? Read on to discover everything that you ever wanted to know about the benefits of vitamin E and vitamin E supplements.

What Is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is actually a vitamin that contains fat-soluble anti-oxidants along with other components. It is found naturally in eight different forms. The most important one of these is the one containing alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol protects the cells and tissues of the human body from free radicals that can cause serious damage. Specifically, it protects the LDL cholesterol that is found in the blood and cells. Additionally, it inhibits or prevents the random clotting of the blood.

Vitamin E performs as a powerful antioxidant when absorbed by the body. It helps to neutralize free radicals that can harm the cells and tissues of your body. Free radicals are highly reactive substances that are often blamed for a wide range of health problems. Free radicals attack the cell membranes, proteins, and the body’s DNA.

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fat cells of the body for anywhere from a few days to six months. When the fat cells are saturated, the excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the individual’s liver.

What are the Benefits of Vitamin E for People?

The benefits of vitamin E extend to the possibility of lowering the incidence and risk of specific chronic conditions that can occur including atherosclerosis of the arteries. This condition can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It is important to note that this information is speculative and that no firm conclusions have been drawn from the existing data as of yet. Although some proponents of vitamin E supplements suggest that they can reduce the incidence of cancer, more studies need to be conducted before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that performs many functions including the improvement of an individual’s immune system and functioning. Additionally, the presence of vitamin E contributes to a healthy circulatory system due to the fact that it encourages healthy blood clotting.

It has been suggested that the benefits of vitamin E also extend to the alleviation of premenstrual syndrome symptoms or the formation of non-cancerous breast tissue thickening.

What Foods Are Rich in Vitamin E?

In order to maximize your vitamin E benefits, find a good source of it that you can eat often. In general, foods that are rich in alpha-tocopherol are good sources of vitamin E and these include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, carrots, nuts, and wheat germ. Whole grain products include cereals, muffins, breads, and many others.

Since nuts are a good source of vitamin E, that extends to products that include nuts such as peanut butter, cakes, and cookies. These should be eaten in moderation, however, since they also include larger amounts of sugar and salt in general. Additionally, other good sources of vitamin E include certain oils such as sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, safflower oil, and canola oil. Margarines that have been made from plant oils also supply vitamin E.

Another good source of vitamin E is the egg yolk. However, this one should be used in moderation since it also leads to an increase in cholesterol levels. Additionally, the avocado is another naturally good source of vitamin E. In general, eating a healthy diet provides a sufficient amount for most individuals.

Poor sources of the vitamin generally include meat, milk, and fruit. However, liver is a good source of vitamin E and should be included in the diet on occasion.

How much Vitamin E Should an Individual Get on a Daily Basis?

A person’s daily need for vitamin E varies according to her age, gender, and daily diet. An individual who ingests a diet high in polyunsaturated fats requires a greater intake of vitamin E than someone who ingests a diet low in polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats are easily oxidized. Therefore, individuals who ingest a lot of these will require a greater intake of vitamin E.

Healthy women only need approximately eight milligrams of vitamin E daily, while healthy men should have approximately ten milligrams daily.

What can You do to Maximize the Benefit of Eating Foods that are Rich in Vitamin E?

If you want to ensure that you are absorbing a sufficient amount of vitamin E, then you should store your foods properly. Fresh vegetables should be stored in the refrigerator until preparation. Whole grains should be stored away from direct sunlight. Obviously, your milk should also be stored in the refrigerator and kept away from direct sunlight when it is out of the refrigerator temporarily.

How should Vitamin E Supplements be Stored?

If you purchase vitamin E supplements, it is important to store them properly to maintain their quality. Ideally, they should be stored in a dry place that is completely free from moisture of any kind.

What are the Negative Consequences that Can Occur with a Deficiency of Vitamin E?

Although a severe deficiency in vitamin E is unlikely, it could result in anemia, muscle weakness, and an impaired balance or coordination ability in the individual who is experiencing the deficiency. If a child or adult had a condition that prevented the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, then a deficiency of this vitamin can occur.

What are the Negative Consequences that Can Occur with the Combination of Vitamin E and Specific Medical Conditions?

Since Vitamin E can inhibit blood clotting, individuals who have trouble clotting should only take a Vitamin E supplement under a doctor’s orders. Additionally, any individual who is currently taking an anti-coagulant such as Coumadin should not take Vitamin E supplements. Anti-coagulants inhibit blood clotting and increase the risk to the patient for bleeding. Moreover, patients who have experienced a deficiency in Vitamin K or who are taking other medications that might impair the functioning of the blood should also avoid vitamin E supplements unless prescribed by their physician.

Final Points to Ponder

No one should rely on the use of vitamin E supplements, or any other supplement for that matter, for the prevention of diseases. A complete physical is recommended on a regular basis in order to identify possible problem areas that indicate the need for cautionary or exploratory procedures.

Vitamin E benefits vary according to the individual’s needs as well as other factors that might influence the absorption of this nutrient. Consult your physician prior to beginning any regimen that includes a vitamin supplement. Ask your doctor for information on the possible benefits of vitamin E supplements for you.The possible benefits of vitamin E outweigh any suggested detrimental effects in most healthy individuals.