Vitamin E has gained prominence in the last decade as a “super vitamin” with antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E can be found in both natural and supplement forms.
Increasing your intake of vitamin E could be a great way to boost your overall health.
Vitamin E is equally effective both when derived from natural sources and from supplements.
This vitamin has been linked to numerous health benefits, including:
- increased immunity
- heart and respiratory health
- increased circulation
- skin health
Having an exercise routine can help you get the most out of the benefits that vitamins can provide. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.
What Is Vitamin E?
The name “vitamin E” actually describes a group of eight fat-soluble compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. These compounds are naturally found in many foods, including some vegetables, oils, nuts, and fruits.
Vitamin E works in the body to help stop the formation and spread of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules in the body that cause cell damage and are linked to a host of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Compounds that prevent or inhibit free radicals, such as vitamin E, are known as antioxidants.
Vitamin E also promotes cell growth and healing. Increasing your intake of vitamin E will help damaged cells repair themselves faster, so it is often used by those with wounds and skin conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin E?
Vitamin E’s most known benefits are its antioxidant properties. Researchers believe that the compounds’ ability to fight free radicals can help prevent cancer.
Specifically, vitamin E supports breast, prostate, and colon health. Vitamin E is also thought to help with circulation, promote heart health, and improve respiratory health.
Certain types of vitamin E also promote skin health, can help treat conditions like eczema and acne, and contain anti-aging properties.
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How Does My Body Get Vitamin E?
Vitamin E compounds are necessary to sustain human life. Vitamin E deficiency can be very serious, resulting in vision problems, cardiac arrhythmia, and even dementia.
Fortunately, vitamin E deficiency is rare and is usually a result of an inability to absorb fat. Most people receive vitamin E through the foods they eat, without even trying.
Foods that are naturally high in vitamin E include:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Nuts and nut oils
- Soybean oil
- Wheat Germ oil
- Safflower oil
- Tomato
Vitamin E can also be found in smaller doses in rockfish, papaya, sweet potatoes, broccoli, pumpkin, and mango.
Increasing your intake of these foods is a great way to get more vitamin E. However, to reach the recommended daily dose of at least 15mg per day, a supplement may be required.
For more information on recommended dosages and tolerable upper intake limits for men, women, and children, refer to this fact sheet.
What Are Vitamin E Supplements?
Vitamin E supplements are commonly sold over the counter and are available in many forms. The most common vitamin E supplements are either in pill or oil form.
Vitamin E supplements in pill form are designed to enhance the internal antioxidant benefits of vitamin E compounds. These supplements are utilized in your body the same way natural vitamin E is, and provides the same benefits.
Vitamin E supplement pills are most effective when taken with meals. Vitamin E is considered a fairly safe supplement, with few side effects, reported even when the maximum recommended dose was consumed.
In some cases, vitamin E supplement pills may interact with blood thinners or other medications when taken in large doses. It is best to consult with your physician or health care provider before starting to take vitamin E or any other supplements.
Vitamin E oils are topically applied and are generally used for skin health and healing benefits. When applied to the skin, vitamin E oil can have an anti-aging effect.
Vitamin E can also speed the healing of wounds, reduce scarring, moisturize the skin, and help treat and prevent skin disorders. Vitamin E oil is commonly used to treat psoriasis, burns, and scars.
Adding vitamin E to your daily regimen can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to boost your health and safeguard against dangerous free radicals. Both vitamin E supplement pills and vitamin E oil can be purchased at drugstores, health food stores, or online.
Keep in mind that supplementation of any kind is not enough for your overall health and fitness needs. Exercise is important. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!