TOP 11 BENEFITS OF VITAMIN E

Introduction

Vitamin E is one of the essential nutrients required for the healthy functioning of the human body. This fat-soluble vitamin is stored in fatty tissues and the liver and is used by the body when required. It assists the human body to function normally and neutralizes free radicals that can harm body cells. Just like the benefits of water that can never be undermined, one cannot ignore vitamin E’s importance. Although vitamin E deficiency is rare, it can occur in premature babies with low weight and can also affect certain people with genetic disorders.

Let us learn more about this vital vitamin, its functions, food sources, benefits, and how it can help in improving your health.

Functions of Vitamin E

Vitamin E has numerous significant roles within the human body. Let us take a look at some of the key functions of vitamin E.

• Vitamin E boosts immunity against several bacteria and viruses.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant and therefore protects the body tissues from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also plays an important role in keeping premature aging at bay.
• It supports the formation of red blood cells and helps in widening the blood vessels, thus preventing the formation of blood clots.
• The cells in our body use vitamin E to perform important functions; this vitamin also enables cells to interact with each other.

Best Food Sources of Vitamin E

Vitamin E, which is found in natural foods (RRR-alpha-tocopherol), is considerably different from vitamin E tablets, vitamin E capsules, or any other supplements that are man-made (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol). Therefore, the best way to meet the daily requirement of this nutrient is by eating various food sources.

• Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts)
• Vegetable oils (sunflower, wheat germ, safflower, soybean, and corn oil)
• Green leafy vegetables (broccoli and spinach)
• Seeds (sunflower seeds)
• Fortified foods (fruit juices, breakfast cereals, spreads, and margarine). Fortified means that certain vitamins are added to the food products.

11 Benefits of Vitamin E

The benefits of water, healthy food, and other essential vitamins for the body cannot be ignored. Vitamin E is amongst the most essential vitamins for the body and is known to exist in eight different chemical forms. Amongst these, alpha-tocopherol meets the dietary requirements of the human body. Various studies on vitamin E have reported the following benefits:

1. Decreases oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a result of an imbalance between free radicals and the antioxidant defense system. Exposure to free radicals weakens and breaks the healthy cells. These free radicals can also lead to serious health issues such as cancer and heart diseases. Vitamin E not only works as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals but also protects the skin from further cellular damage.

2. Lessens osteoarthritis symptoms

Osteoarthritis is a common chronic health condition that affects the joints. This condition degenerates the joints and causes pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis symptoms can be reduced with regular consumption of vitamin E.

3. Lowers pregnancy-related complications

Vitamin E reduces the risk of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication commonly characterized by high blood pressure (BP) and signs of damage to the liver and kidneys (including other organs).

4. Curbs eye diseases

Vitamin E is an integral nutrient for better eye health. It aids in self-healing and repairing the cornea, retina, and uvea (pigmented layer of the eyeball). Vitamin E supplementation is also associated with a decreased risk of cataracts (mainly age-related ones) and treating retinopathy (an eye disorder) in premature babies.

5. Assists in diabetes management

Vitamin E supplementation helps in delaying the onset of diabetes (types 1 and 2) and eases its symptoms. As diabetes involves insulin resistance and increased levels of oxidative stress in the body, vitamin E may reduce the complications.

6. Ensures healthy skin

Vitamin E for the skin works wonders as it is a powerful antioxidant. It may also reduce the ultraviolet damage to the skin. The topical application of vitamin E on the skin nourishes it and protects it from any further damage by free radicals. Furthermore, it improves skin elasticity, reduces inflammation, and ensures young and healthy skin.

7. Revitalizes hair

Vitamin E for hair can improve overall hair and scalp health. Vitamin E supplements can improve hair growth in people with hair loss issues by increasing the blood flow to the scalp as well, which promotes hair health. Also, vitamin E-rich oil can bring back the shine in dull hair and provide a strong base or scalp for the hair to grow.

8. Balances the hormone levels

With respect to endocrine glands that secrete hormones and the nervous system, one of the many important roles of vitamin E is to maintain the natural and effective balance of hormone levels. Therefore, vitamin E keeps an optimal hormonal balance, which further keeps you more energetic and helps in maintaining a healthy weight.

9. Helps in cholesterol management

Healthy cholesterol levels in the body assist in the proper functioning of cells, hormones, and nerves. Cholesterol is synthesized naturally in the liver; however, its oxidized form causes several problems in the body. Vitamin E not only prevents the oxidation of cholesterol but also functions as a shielding antioxidant, thus minimizing any potential damage.

10. Protects against Alzheimer’s disease

Vitamin E can significantly reduce the risk associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its unique anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin E slows down memory loss and helps in curbing a further decline of motor functions in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

11. Reduces the risk of heart attacks and sunstrokes

Regular consumption of vitamin E may inhibit the clumping of platelets. As this vitamin helps in thinning the blood, its regular consumption will not only reduce the risk of heart attacks but also sunstroke.

Conclusion

Just like the plentiful benefits of water to the body, Vitamin E has significant benefits. If you consume vitamin E regularly, your body will stay free of several ailments and you will enjoy good health. So, ensure that you eat foods that are rich in vitamin E to reap all its benefits.

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