Pure vitamin E or tocopherol was isolated from wheat germ oil in 1936. The word is coined from “toco” or childbirth, and “phero” or to bear. Like vitamin A, it is an important fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant, and plays a major role in maintaining good health. It is stored in the blood and tissues, and the latter stores enough to guard against deficiency over long periods.
Functions and Health Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E has a number of functions and health benefits, since it is an antioxidant like vitamins A and C. It neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals and protects the cells and intracellular processes. Therefore, it prevents heart diseases, tissue damage and diabetes and degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s. Moreover, it not only prevents cataract, but boosts the vision.
Vitamin E also prevents prostrate, colon and bladder cancers by blocking carcinogens and nitrosamines that are formed in the stomach due to nitrates in the food.
By dilating the capillaries, vitamin E directs the blood to the muscle tissues and strengthens the blood vessels, nerves and tissues and prevents formation of blood clots. It also dissolves blood clots without interfering with the normal clotting process. Therefore, it is effective in preventing heart diseases and atherosclerosis.
Vitamin E guards against damage to the skin from ultraviolet rays and prevents wrinkles, skin damage and pigmentation. It reduces the need for oxygen intake by oxygenating the tissues. Vitamin E also prevents asthma and promotes urine secretion. It is essential for fertility and normal reproductive processes. Finally, vitamin E is required for the normal functioning of the muscles, as it has an anticoagulant effect. Thus, it prevents arthritis.
Symptoms of Deficiency of vitamin E
Lack of vitamin E leads to degenerative changes in the capillaries, resulting in pulmonary embolism, lung disease, frequent clots and varicose veins and even a stroke. A prolonged shortage can cause miscarriages and other reproductive problems, as well as degenerative conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Therapeutic Uses of vitamin E
Vitamin E is used to alleviate and regularize certain conditions, including reproductive problems like habitual miscarriages, sterility and premature delivery. It is useful in dysmenorrhoea and menopausal problems, as well as age-related weakness. It is very effective in treating varicose veins, as it dilates the veins, decreases clotting in the blood vessels and encourages the development of extra vessels around the clot affected areas. When muscular dystrophy occurs as a result of deficiency of vitamin E, there is increased intake of oxygen. This can be balanced by taking supplements of vitamin E.
Though vitamin E supplements have low toxicity and few contra-indications, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before taking a course.
Sources of Vitamin E
Vitamin E cannot be synthesized in the body, and needs to be included in the diet or through supplements. It is found in crude and cold-pressed vegetable oils, sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, corn and soya beans. It is also found in vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli and parsley, grains like whole wheat, raw and sprouted seeds and butter and eggs. Small amounts are found in fruits and meats. Foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are rich sources of vitamin E.
Vitamin E has preventive and therapeutic properties as it is a major antioxidant and protects the body from degenerative diseases and cellular damage. Therefore, it is important to include it in the diet.
Sources:
Goyal, G.C, Vitamins for natural healing, Diamond books, 2005.
Healingdaily.com, Vitamin E, (accessed May 12, 2010).
Cancerproject.org, Diet and Cancer Research, (accessed May 12, 2010).
Nita Mukherjee - I have 25+ years of experience in education and tutoring in English, and 12+ years in writing. With a post graduate degree (B.Ed) in ...
Join the Conversation