10 August 2015
What Is Vitamin E?Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It is not a single vitamin but in fact is a group of 8 fat soluble vitamins, belonging to the same family and having antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E exists in 2 forms :
Functions Of Vitamin EVitamin E is an anti oxidant that counters free radicals which when they run amuck are known to extensively damage cells, tissues and organs. It is well known that free radical damage leads to oxidation and leads to various health problems.
Though vitamin C, glutathione, selenium and vitamin B3 also help prevent oxidation, vitamin E is believed to play a major part in preventing oxidative stress and the related damage, by attacking the free radicals. Vitamin E is necessary for optimum cell to cell communication. Vitamin E also supports the production of red blood cells and works towards the proper utilization of vitamin K. Vitamin E keeps the immune system strong thus helping the body ward off infections. Vitamin E is also necessary for optimum fertility. Vitamin E protects the skin against the ultraviolet radiations from the sun, boosts collagen production and delays aging. Sources Of Vitamin EThe best source of vitamin E is wheatgerm oil. 1 tablespoon of this oil provides 100% of the daily requirement an adult needs.
Spinach, swiss chard and turnip greens are excellent sources of vitamin E. Sunflower seeds, asparagus, almonds, bell peppers, safflower oil, hazelnuts, walnuts, liver, eggs, avocados, yams are very good sources of vitamin E. Goods sources of vitamin E include broccoli, cranberries, tomatoes, kale,collard greens and oregano. Our Daily Vitamin E RequirementsThe Food And Nutrition board of the Institute of Medicine recommends the following levels of daily intake for Vitamin E at different ages for males and females.
Age ............................Quantity/Day 0 - 6 months.....................4 mg 7 - 12 months........... ........5 mg 1 - 3 years .............. ... ....6 mg 4 - 8 years................. ......7 mg 9 -13 years............... .. ....11 mg 14 - 18 years....................15 mg Adults ..................... .......15 mg Pregnant women..... .......15 mg Breastfeeding women .......19 mg The maximum limit for supplemental E is determined at 1000 mg per day. The Health Benefits Of Vitamin EVitamin E is beneficial in the following health conditions, among others.
Heart disease Alzheimer's Parkinson's Arthritis Premenstrual syndrome Aging Prostrate and other cancers Multiple sclerosis Macular degeneration Psoriasis Asthma Osteoarthritis Diabetes IBD Low immunity levels The Effects Of Vitamin E On Specific Health conditionsVitamin E And Acne
Some studies show that low antioxidant levels increase incidence of acne. Also, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showed that acne breakouts can be prevented by Vitamin E. Research has also shown that vitamin E oil helps to clear out the pores and thus heals and prevents further pimples and acne eruptions. Vitamin E is reported to have reduced acne scars and cleared the skin and improved the skin tone. Vitamin E And Heart Health It has been found in animal studies that vitamin E from food or supplements may inhibit atherosclerosis or plaque formation. Also, a study in middle aged and older men and women showed that those who consumed foods rich in vitamin E had a lower risk of coronary heart disease although there was no benefit by intake of vitamin E in preventing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends consumption of foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients but does not support the use of vitamin E supplements to prevent cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E And Cancer Research has found that eating foods rich in vitamin E reduces the risk of developing bladder cancer by up to 50%. This was the result of a research study presented at the Annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research, Orlando, Florida on 23 May 2004. The study was done on 468 people affected with bladder cancer and 534 people who were cancer free. It was found that those whose vitamin E intake was in the top 25% had 50% less bladder cancer than those whose intake was in the lowest 25%. It was also found that only alpha tocopherol reduced this cancer risk. Research also shows that gamma tocopherol, and not alpha tocopherol, prevents the proliferation of prostrate cancer cells (without affecting the healthy prostrate cells). This research was published in the December 2004 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Vitamin E And Alzheimer's It was found that high intake of Vitamin E from food and not from supplements since they mostly contain alpha tocopherol, reduced the risk of Alzheimer's by 67% in those who had the highest intake of vitamin E. This was determined by Martha Clare Morris of Rush University, the lead nutrition research for CHAP - the Chicago Health And Aging Project. This study concludes that a combination of tocopherols rather than only alpha tocopherol is associated with these protected benefits against Alzheimer's. Some Vitamin E Facts For Optimal Benefits Of Vitamin E Intake
A Very Simple Homemade Eye Cream Recipe By SuzieHQ
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