One of the most important benefits of vitamin E is its ability to protect against neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Many doctors prescribe this powerful antioxidant to patients at a risk of losing important molecules in the brain and thus becoming susceptible to irreversible neuronal damage.
Advertisement:
Degenerative diseases develop very much like rust on a bicycle or a car. What happens in both cases is an oxidation and deteriorating process that, in the human body, vitamin E can slow down.
Vitamin E is an important nutrient for everyone because it can improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease but also in the ageing population.
More about vitamin E
Vitamin E is composed of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, which are all different compounds having distinct subsets.
As such, the term refers to a number of vitamins rather than a single vitamin. These are structurally related and fat-soluble.
Scientists have been able to demonstrate from as early as the 20th century the efficiency of vitamin E in relation to positive motor activity in people and its effect in improving brain function.
Following vitamin E intake, scientists report, patients show a better cognitive performance, both in cases of Alzheimer’s and ageing.
Other top benefits
Other benefits of taking vitamin E include positive cardiovascular health, youthful skin, healthy hair, hormonal balance and improved vision. Also worth noting:
- A vitamin E supplement taken before and after menstrual period reduces cramps, cravings and loss due to the compounds working to balance hormones naturally.
- Applying vitamin E oil to scalp will thicken hair and promote circulation, making the hair look much healthier.
- The vitamin helps with damaged skin, reducing inflammation and improving moisture and elasticity.
- Natural Vitamin E balances cholesterol levels and can prevent thickening of the arteries, promoting good cardiovascular health overall.
- Taken alongside beta-carotene, zinc and vitamin C, the nutrient can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and improve vision.
- Has been shown to reduce the effects of medical treatments in people with cancer.
- Can strengthen the muscles, increase energy levels, and eliminate fatigue during workouts.
- It is an important vitamin for healthy pregnancy, contributing to positive neurologic development of the fetus.
Best vitamin E foods
An important consideration for vitamin E is that it’s best absorbed when taken with fat since all of its compounds are fat-soluble.
Some of the best foods for a good vitamin E intake are sunflower seeds (containing 220% of the daily-recommended value per 1 cup), almonds (218% DV per 1 cup), hazelnuts (133% DV per cup), and wheat germ (120% DV per 1 cup).
Good vitamin E fruits and veggies sources include:
- mango – 20% of the daily-recommended value per fruit
- avocado – 18% of the DV per fruit
- butternut squash – 17% of the DV per 1 cup
- broccoli – 12% of the DV per 1 cup
- spinach – 10% of the DV per ½ cooked or 2 cups uncooked
- kiwi – 6% of the DV per fruit
- tomatoes – 4% of the DV per fruit
Vitamin E supplements come in different forms, which is why it needs noting that only vitamin E in its full form – containing the four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, each with components of their own can provide the entire benefits listed above.
Advertisement:
Because you won’t get that many tocotrienols from a regular diet alone, try adding nuts and seeds to your breakfast foods, cooking with rice oil, and incorporating wheat germ oil (as little as a tablespoon) to recipes every time you cook.