| Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. Its | | | | and sunflower seeds have adequate |
| chemical composition consists of a | | | | amounts of vitamin E. |
| combination of compounds that include | | | | Even foods such as spinach, broccoli, |
| Alpha-Tocopherol. Since the body is | | | | corn, eggs, wheatgerm and soya also |
| incapable of producing this vitamin by | | | | contain adequate amounts of Vitamin E. |
| itself, it needs to be supplied through | | | | However, green vegetables contain only |
| a nutritious diet or vitamin supplements | | | | minute quantities of this vitamin. |
| in order to meet the daily requirements | | | | It is important to note that care should |
| of the body. Vitamin E is found in the | | | | be taken during preparation of food so |
| body's tissue system with the highest | | | | that the Vitamin E does not get |
| concentrations being in the pituitary | | | | destroyed. Freezing, processing and |
| and suprarenal glands. | | | | exposing these foods to air can destroy |
| The most important function of Vitamin E | | | | the Vitamin E nutrients. |
| is that it's antioxidant properties help | | | | Studies have revealed that the daily |
| to neutralize the free radicals which | | | | recommended dosage of Vitamin E is 12 |
| are responsible for damaging cells and | | | | mg. However, those who smoke cigarettes |
| causing premature aging. Thus, along | | | | or who stay in areas that are high in |
| with Vitamins C and A, these | | | | air pollution levels should consume |
| antioxidants help to retard the aging | | | | higher quantities of this vitamin to |
| process and even prevent certain types | | | | counteract the adverse effects of smoke |
| of cancer. | | | | on the lungs. |
| Vitamin E is also responsible for | | | | It is very rare to come across a Vitamin |
| lowering the LDL levels in the body. LDL | | | | E deficiency simply because it is so |
| is the bad form of cholesterol that can | | | | abundantly found in almost all foods and |
| build up along the artery walls over | | | | also because the body is capable of |
| time and lead to coronary diseases and | | | | storing this fat soluble vitamin. |
| blood clotting. | | | | However, even though it's rare to suffer |
| Alpha-Tocopherol is known to improve | | | | for a deficiency, symptoms can be severe |
| muscular development and also helps | | | | and include the gradual breakdown of the |
| straighten the immune system by making | | | | kidneys. Other potential problems |
| it more resistant to viral and bacterial | | | | associated with a Vitamin E deficiency |
| infections. With the help of Vitamin C | | | | can include an increased risk of |
| and beta carotenes it can also help | | | | suffering miscarriages and infertility. |
| prevent the development of cataracts. | | | | Other general symptoms such as anemia, |
| Vitamin E is abundantly found in sweet | | | | lethargy and temporary loss of balance |
| potatoes and mangoes. Oils such as | | | | can also be experienced. It is important |
| sunflower, peanut, olive and safflower | | | | to cure a Vitamin E deficiency the |
| are also excellent sources. Even nutty | | | | moment it is detected otherwise the body |
| snack foods such as walnuts, hazelnuts | | | | will just waste away over time. |