Advantage Newsletter - December 2008

The Appetizing Benefits of Vitamin E

We know our body needs vitamins to be strong, fight against disease, and stay healthy. There are many vitamins that exist, so how do we decipher each vitamin’s role in maintaining a healthy body and mind? Our genetic blueprint and current bill of health signal the vitamins we need most. Here are reasons for why it’s important to make sure we get enough vitamin E:

  1. Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant. Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, helps to avert and lessen the damage caused by free radicals, which aids in warding off health problems like heart disease and cancer. The best sources of vitamin E are considered heart-healthy fats. The recommended dietary allowance for a male and female adult is 15 mg/day. A severe lack of vitamin E can cause impaired coordination and balance, injury to the sensory nerves, muscle weakness, and damage to the retina of the eye. Extreme vitamin E deficiency is rare, but making an effort to consume the daily recommended allowance is fundamental for maintaining a well-rounded diet and getting the most out of vitamin E’s benefits.
  2. It aids in disease prevention and treatment. Since vitamin E functions as an antioxidant and combats harm produced by free radicals, it helps to prevent disease and in some cases, aids in treatment. Vitamin E consumption is associated with preventing cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer such as prostate cancer, cataracts, and immune function ailments. For treatment, vitamin E has demonstrated value in treating some symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes, dementia, types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Here are the main sources of vitamin E:
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Cereal grains
  • Vegetable oils (canola, olive, sunflower, and safflower)
  • Avocados
  • Carrots
  • Spinach
A wholesome diet with a balance of key vitamins will protect your immune system and keep you feeling full of life. Vitamin E is a key vitamin that contributes to a robust body and mind.