Vitamin E was discovered in 1922, when rats were given a diet that was lacking in vitamin E, and they were unable to reproduce. When wheat germ oil was administered to them, they could reproduce. Then, vitamin E was isolated and was called the anti sterility vitamin.
Vitamin E provides Several Health Benefits |
What is Vitamin E?: What Does Vitamin E Do?
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It is also called tocopherol; ‘tokos’ meaning ‘offspring’ and ‘phero’ meaning ‘to bear’.Vitamin E is essential vitamin that has several pivotal roles to play, ranging from fertility, cardiovascular health, skin care, optimal nervous system functioning and prevention of cancer.
Vitamin E Health Benefits: Vitamin E Uses
- Vitamin E is a powerful anti oxidant; protecting the cells from free radical damage (i.e. damage caused by pollution, smoke, chemicals, stress, etc).
- Vitamin E plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the nerve cells.
- The vitamin influences the reproductive system too and is often called the ‘anti sterility’ hormone.
- Vitamin E is also known to protect the heart and stave off cardiovascular diseases.
- Being a potent free radical, vitamin E has the potential to prevent the development of cancer.
Vitamin E Food Sources: Vitamin E Supplements
Vitamin E rich foods are: wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, whole wheat, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli and avocados.
A number of conditions are associated with vitamin E deficiency; acne, anemia, gall stones, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer being the common ones. Severe deficiency of vitamin E is relatively rare.
Vitamin E supplements are recommended by health care professionals to mange a host f medical conditions. Typically, vitamin E is given in a dose of 400 - 600 I.U. per day. It is well tolerated in high doses as well. However, do consult your doctor before starting the supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are onto anti coagulant drugs.
Vitamin E for a Healthy Skin |
Vitamin E for Skin: Vitamin E for Scars
Along with vitamin C and vitamin A, vitamin E is an important ‘beauty vitamin’. Vitamin is a powerful free radical scavenger and destroyer, and this halts the onslaught of ageing and decelerates its process. Vitamin E can help delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keep the skin looking glowing and radiant.
Vitamin E promotes rapid skin healing. Application of vitamin E oil / cream along with internal administration of the vitamin promises to treat scars effectively.