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