Vitamin E Or Alpha-Tocopherol - Do I Need It Or Not?

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