Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant with great health benefits, also known as the vitamin of youth or vitamin of beauty. Did you know that vitamin E helps you look flawless, improves your immune system, and slows down aging?
Vitamin E is a complex name for eight antioxidants: four tocopherols (α-, β-, γ-, δ-) and four tocotrienols (α-, β-, γ-, δ-).
Tocopherols are a compound of 4 types of vitamin E: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.
They differ in their characteristics, which represent chemical variations of their structure – the number of methyl groups and their location.
Tocotrienols – they exist as an unsaturated chain but have the same structure as tocopherols.
Tocotrienols are composed of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta compounds and they are all more porous on the cell membrane due to their chain.
Alpha-tocopherol is best for neutralizing oxygen-free radicals, while gamma-tocopherol is best for nitrogen-free radicals.
The only form that is actively retained in the human body is α-tocopherol. Vitamin E is one of the best antioxidants that are useful for our body, which protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The function of free radicals is to damage cells and tissues in the body and thus accelerate the aging process and the occurrence of diseases such as cardiovascular and malignant diseases.
Vitamin E prevents the deposition of arterial walls, rupture of arteries, and the development of atherosclerosis. It also prevents fat oxidation and damage to blood vessels and cholesterol.
It also prevents the development and occurrence of various cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin E along with other food antioxidants (vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids) is considered to be a good prevention of cardiovascular disease, malignant diseases, and contributes to improving general health.
Where is vitamin E?
Vitamin E is widespread in nature, especially in the plant world. It is mostly found in vegetable oils, nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts.
Vegetables include spinach, cereals, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes, and avocados. It is found in meat only in insignificant quantities.
Cereal sprouts, vegetable oils, and oilseeds are the richest source. Foods rich in vitamin E are best eaten fresh.
Cooking loses 50-90% of the vitamin. Foods rich in this vitamin should be kept tightly closed, due to the sensitivity to oxygen and the possibility of oxidation.
It is considered that this vitamin is mostly found in adipose tissue. High concentrations are found in the liver, heart, muscles, testicles, uterus, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland.
It is released slowly and it takes two to three months to have a full therapeutic effect. Animals and humans are thought to be unable to synthesize this vitamin.
Why is vitamin E important?
- Vitamin E helps the body fight cancer and heart disease and infections.
- It strengthens the immune system and helps eliminate respiratory problems.
- One of the functions of vitamin E is to regulate the level of vitamin A in the body.
- As an antioxidant, vitamin E has an amazing effect on skin health.
- It helps protect against UV rays, pollution, and all other phenomena that produce free radicals, responsible for the destruction of tissues.
- Due to its properties, it is a major ingredient in many anti-aging skin cosmetics.
- Vitamin E makes the skin look much better, younger, and smoother.
- Some research suggests that vitamin E speeds up the healing process of burns.
- Vitamin E participates in the formation of reproductive cells and improves the fertility of both sexes.
- It also helps prevent miscarriage.
In today’s article, we will learn about all the benefits of using vitamin E for our health.
12 Vitamin E great benefits for our health
Vitamin E is great for fertility
Vitamin E has a positive effect on the whole organism, including its positive effect on fertility.
It plays an extremely important role in the proper functioning of the endocrine glands, especially the function of the sex glands.
Vitamin E participates in the formation of reproductive cells, which improves fertility in both sexes.
Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
Vitamin E, its daily intake is beneficial for the elderly or those who will become so. Vitamin E delays the progression of age-related memory loss and cognitive decline.
The anti-inflammatory properties of tocotrienol contribute to a reduced chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
It also slows the progression of the disease in people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease as well as other neurodegenerative disorders.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant
Vitamin E is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant. It protects the structures of our cell membranes from the effects of free radicals.
Specifically, it fights inflammatory processes and, thus, in an effective and natural way slows down the aging of cells.
Thanks to its antioxidant effect and neutralization of free radicals, vitamin E helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. It must be noted that it also helps and protects blood vessels from damage.
Vitamin E for cancer prevention
This is good news for those who want to avoid cancer. Eating foods rich in vitamin E on a daily basis is a big step towards preventing this disease.
Free radicals have an effect on your DNA and can affect mutations, causing tumor growth. The tumor can be benign or malignant.
Vitamin E fights free radicals and protects DNA cells. This allows your cells to be protected.
There is much to be learned about how vitamin E inhibits tumor growth, but tocotrienols are believed to slow angiogenesis and the growth of blood vessels within the tumor itself.
Similarly, the antioxidants in vitamin E protect against the negative effects of sunlight, which slows down the proliferation of cancer cells.
Vitamin E is often used to alleviate the side effects of drugs used to treat cancer or those that can cause lung damage or hair loss.
Allows hair to be healthier and prevents premature graying
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce hair damage caused by external factors. Allows blood to circulate to the scalp, leading to healthier and thicker hair.
When blood is pumped to all parts of the scalp, it stays healthy and prevents hair from falling out or becoming weak.
Vitamin E allows the skin to remain constantly hydrated and keeps the scalp from drying out. It also repairs damaged hair follicles and protects hair from root to tip, affecting healthy and thicker growth.
Vitamin E also leads to the slow development of gray hair. By nourishing the follicles, it stimulates faster hair growth.
In addition to healthy hair growth, vitamin E prevents premature baldness by retaining moisture in the scalp, preventing it from becoming dry. Dry scalp leads to itching, dandruff, and possibly hair loss.
Vitamin E for healthy and young skin
Vitamin E plays a very important role in maintaining healthy skin. Reduces inflammation in the body and helps maintain healthy skin.
Vitamin E is also important for protection against sunburn, faster wound healing, reduction of acne, and wrinkles.
When combined with vitamin C, it can also help relieve the symptoms of eczema. Due to these properties, it is a major ingredient in many skincare and anti-aging cosmetics.
We need vitamin E for good eyesight
Vitamin E with other antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, selenium, and zinc, shows a remarkable effect in protecting eye function.
With the help of vitamin E, we also get protection and prevention from the occurrence of potential macular degeneration and cataracts.
In addition to macular degeneration, vitamin E is also known to treat cataracts. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss.
Although it can be treated, it is often the leading cause of permanent vision loss. Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
For physical endurance and muscle strength
Vitamin E significantly improves physical endurance by improving circulation and energy. It also helps significantly in reducing the level of oxidative stress on muscle tissue after physical activity.
Regular and proper intake of vitamin E through a varied and balanced diet can prevent and help improve our health. Improves muscle strength and increases endurance.
If you are an athlete or bodybuilder, vitamin E is very important for your body. Adequate levels of vitamins during exercise allow you to perform high-intensity exercises without fatigue.
During more intense exercise, the body’s metabolism increases, leading to oxidation of substances and free radicals.
In addition, vitamin E improves muscle strength and at the same time improves blood circulation in your body.
This keeps your cells healthier, allowing them to function optimally. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E are also good for fighting inflammation, and as a result, it is ideal for reducing muscle pain and protecting the body from injury.
That is why it is important to take it as a supplement if you exercise intensively. Helps recover from illness and maintain muscle mass.
Cholesterol balance
Cholesterol is crucial for optimal cell function. It occurs naturally and is created by the liver.
Usually, in your natural state, cholesterol in your body is balanced. After oxidation it becomes harmful.
Due to the antioxidant properties of vitamin E, the oxidation of cholesterol is slowed down. Studies show that vitamin E isomers are effective in prevention.
In the fight against free radicals caused by oxidation, the balance of cholesterol in the body is stable. Too much cholesterol can make it harder for blood to flow through the arteries.
When this happens, the risk of heart attack increases. One way to prevent cholesterol is to consume vitamin E.In this way, the progression of atherosclerosis is significantly slowed down.
However, care should be taken because too much vitamin A, alpha-tocopherol can lead to confusion as to how its tocotrienols, delta, and gamma lower cholesterol levels.
Vitamin E against burns and scars
Vitamin E oil has an exceptional power of skin regeneration and can even accelerate the healing of smaller wounds, in a relatively short time.
However, the only thing to be careful about is applying it only when the damaged area has cooled down. Another property of vitamin E is its ability to whiten scars.
It is considered to be the best choice for removing scars caused by burns and acne. Massage with a few drops of vitamin E oil on the scar in a circular motion, whether you have the scar before or it is new.
The oil will successfully penetrate deep into the skin and help the cells to regenerate. For best results, do this treatment and massage the area every day and you will see the difference.
As prevention of skin cancer and against stretch marks for those who, for whatever reason, spend a lot of time outdoors, vitamin E is great protection.
All you have to do is mix a few drops of vitamin E oil in the sunscreen and don’t forget to apply it before going out in the sun.
As for stretch marks, every pregnant woman and mother know that stretch marks are one of the most undesirable phenomena in pregnancy.
Research shows that regular vitamin E oil massage can reduce stretch marks over time – even those that appeared a few years ago.
Relieves premenstrual symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome is a burden that many women have to bear. This term refers to a series of symptoms that women experience just before the onset of menstruation.
Although the symptoms are not universal, they are often characterized by acne, muscle and joint pain, sensitive breasts, cravings and bloating, among others.
Vitamin E, especially gamma-tocopherol, works to limit the production of prostaglandins, which relieves breast tenderness as well as cramps.
Also, women suffering from low or low estrogen levels are encouraged to use more vitamin E.In addition to increasing hormone levels, the vitamin increases blood circulation in the uterus.
In addition, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for swollen uterine mucosa. Vitamin E reduces blood loss, naturally balances your hormones, and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Using supplements of this vitamin before and after menstruation is very beneficial.
Vitamin E for a healthy heart
The regenerative and therapeutic effects of vitamin E make it the most common dietary supplement. Keeps the heart-healthy, prevents the formation of cholesterol, improves the work of blood vessels.
Vitamin E reduces the effects of atherosclerosis, which puts too much pressure on the functioning of the heart.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to the narrowing of the arteries. This is a serious condition that can lead to death if not diagnosed and treated early.
Fortunately, if you regularly consume foods that contain vitamin E, you may not experience this problem.
Studies show that eating foods rich in vitamin E reduce the risk of developing heart disease in both men and women. The benefits of vitamin E for the heart do not end here.
By fighting infections and removing toxins from your body, your chances of having a heart attack are reduced. This is actually the main reason why vitamin E is good for your heart.
Vitamin E deficiency
Vitamin E deficiency, also known as hypovitaminosis E, is rare, but when it does occur, it can be a serious cause for concern.
Although quite rare, vitamin E deficiency can cause the following symptoms: muscle weakness, vision problems, unstable movement, anemia, indigestion.
Problems with the bile, pancreas, and liver can occur. Pain or lack of sensitivity in the legs and arms.
A deficiency exists in babies born with very low weight. This is especially true for premature babies.
This deficiency and its compensation should be approved by a pediatrician and these tips should not be ignored. Digestive system problems and anemia.
Vitamin E overdose
Vitamin E overdose is very rare. Recent scientific research, however, suggests that this can still happen.
So be careful if you consume vitamin E outside your diet with supplements or supplements.
Before you start taking vitamin E supplements, you should first consult your doctor.
Recommended daily doses of vitamin E
Daily doses of this exceptional vitamin for age are as follows:
- Babies (0-4 months) – 4mg
- Babies (5-12 months) – 5mg
- Children (1-3 years) – 6mg
- Children (4-8 years) – 7mg
- Kids (9-13 years) – 11mg
- Adults (14 and up) – 15mg
- Pregnant women – 15mg
- Breastfeeding mothers – 19mg
Conclusion
Vitamin E is one of the best vitamins for maintaining our health. It is called the vitamin of youth and beauty, which due to its properties is used in cosmetic products.
This vitamin is one of the best antioxidants, with many health benefits: for a healthier heart, skin, hair, less cholesterol, and more.
Vitamin E is present in foods such as vegetable oils, nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, spinach, cereals, sweet potatoes, and avocados.
50-90% of its ingredients are lost during cooking, it is present in small amounts in the meat. Vitamin E overdose is very rare.
Of course, for the use of supplements of this vitamin, you should first consult a doctor.
