The benefits of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is fat soluble vitamin which has multiple benefits for the body. Though discovered in 1922, its components and multiple advantages were discovered by research subsequently. It is available abundantly in natural products, i.e. fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It protects the body cells and tissues from wear and tear due to its natural antioxidant properties. Free oxygen radicals liberated in the body in response to environmental toxins and pollutants tend to cause damage to the cells and tissues of body. Vitamin E prevents this action, thus preventing degeneration of cells and cell membranes of the body. Due to this action, it is said to prevent aging and age related changes. Wrinkling of the skin, which occurs as a normal change with aging is prevented by vitamin E. It is said to keep the skin smooth and supple. Therefore many creams and lotions contain vitamin E as one of the ingredients. It is also helpful in improving functions of the brain. Nocturnal cramps in legs are cured by using vitamin E. It protects fat soluble components of the body like vitamin A, cholesterol and PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) from damage. Due to its antioxidant properties, it has a protective effect on the heart. Thus it reduces chances of heart disease It is also useful in chronic diseases like arthritis and cancers as it retards the progression of these disorders. Most of the cancers occur due to chronic damage to cells of any part of the body. By preventing this damage, vitamin E prevents development of cancers in the body. It is particularly useful for preventing lung and breast cancers. In case of arthritis, people benefit from regular use of vitamin E. It is also useful for fertility and reproduction Vitamin E is a family of 8 related compounds, the tocopherols and tocoretinols. Each has its own biological activity and potency. Alphatocopherol is the form most active in human beings. Vitamin E is abundantly present in natural products like sunflower seeds, almonds, vegetable oils, nuts, carrots, spinach and other green vegetables, sweet potatoes, e.t.c. Apart from this whole grains and sprouted grains are also rich sources of vitamin E. Among animal products liver and egg yolk contain vitamin E in good amount. Chronic deficiency of vitamin E would develop in somebody whose diet lacks natural vegetable products which contain vitamin E. People suffering from chronic loss of appetite and malabsorption are also prone to develop vitamin E deficiency. Vitamin E deficiency can manifest as anemia, more so in children. One can suffer from dysfunction of the spinal cord and retina. Due to this a person can have difficulty in walking, maintaining balance of body and impairment of speech and vision. Fertility may be impaired due to vitamin E deficiency. Risk of developing cancers is increased if there is deficiency of vitamin E. The best way to prevent vitamin E deficiency is to take a diet full of natural products. Natural products contain all components of tocopherols or more than one component, while synthetic products contain only one component of family of vitamin E. Children should be encouraged to take fresh green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, cereals fortified with vitamin E so that they have adequate vitamin E in bodies keeping them healthy. Whenever needed, tablets of vitamin E can be used in doses of 400-800 mg. per day. A word of caution is necessary here. Though it is a very useful substance for the body but, over dosage or toxicity of vitamin E is equally harmful. Taking vitamin supplements routinely is a usual trend in developed western countries. By doing so, people expose themselves to the risk of toxicity of vitamin overdose. Overdose of vitamin E leads to increased risk of bleeding from the body, more so if somebody is taking anti-clotting drugs like warfarin. Sometimes risk of cancers is increased due to toxicity of vitamin E. Therefore it is prudent to avoid deficiency of vitamin E as well as toxicity. E-mail-rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk