Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that works to protect cells in the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive substances that result from normal metabolism as well as from exposure to factors in the environment like cigarette smoke and ultraviolet light. They cause damage to body cells by attacking the cell’s membranes, proteins and DNA and ultimately contribute to the development of health problems such as heart disease and cancer.
Benefits of vitamin E
Vitamin E protects the body from oxidation, a normal aging process by which oxygen breaks down the body’s tissues. It works to neutralize free radicals, which are naturally occurring unstable molecules that can damage your body’s healthy molecules by taking electrons to balance themselves. When enough vitamin E is present in the body, unstable free radicals get their electrons from the vitamin E molecules and leave the healthy molecules alone, thus causing less damage to tissues.
Vitamin E is popularly advocated for a wide range of diseases, but no substantial evidence has been found to back these claims. In fact, recently there have been conflicting reports regarding the benefit of vitamin E. Although vitamin E is stored in the body, overdoses appear to have lower toxic effects than do overdoses of other fat-soluble vitamins.
As an antioxidant, it helps slow the ageing process and helps neutralizes agents that causes cancer.
The benefits of vitamin E should be discussed with your personal doctor. There have been so many conflicting research results published lately that it makes it very difficult to determine the best course of action for each particular individual. Another report indicated that the effect of low-dose supplements lowered the risk of death by less than 1%, while high dosages contributed to death. As with all supplements (unless otherwise indicated by your physician), moderation is always preferable.
Vitamin E and cancer – Some cancers are believed to result from oxidative damage to DNA caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage DNA, leading to mutations in cells that may cause cancer. Antioxidants such as vitamin E help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals. The vitamin may also help fight cancer by boosting the immune system. Vitamin E may protect against the development of cancers by enhancing immune function. Some evidence associates higher intake of vitamin E with a decreased incidence of prostate cancer and breast cancer. Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cancers of the mouth, upper airways and lungs, and vitamin E may help protect smokers against these cancers through its antioxidant properties.
E – is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble parts of the body, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL; “bad” cholesterol) cholesterol, from damage. Only when LDL is damaged does cholesterol appear to lead to heart disease, and E is an important antioxidant protector of LDL.1
Vitamin E is also important in supporting healthy skin and nails. While it is rare for individuals to develop vitamin E deficiencies, due to the fact that it is so commonly found within natural food sources, there have been a few rare cases sited. The symptoms primarily include night time muscle cramps and have appeared in some infants.
Tags: ageing process, benefits of vitamin e, body cells, cigarette smoke, conflicting reports, fat soluble vitamins, free radicals, personal doctor, reactive substances, unstable molecules