Vitamin E

Vitamin E is fat soluble antioxidant which performs numerous functions in body. it protects cells from damage during injury and support other cells to perform their functions. It has benefits and functions in health and beauty.

There are many forms in which this vitamin is present but tocopherol is the form which can be used by human to complement needs of body

Benefits of Vitamin

This vitamin has many benefits for skin, hairs, scalp, eyes, and heart. It is essential for overall health of a person and has active role in immunity.

1.     Benefits for health

Generally speaking it has many general roles for health maintenance.

There are several free radicals which are present inside body. These radicals damages cells and tissues as they are very active and reactive. Vitamin E is helpful in neutralizing these reactive radicals. In this way it reduces the risk of damaging cells and tissues.

It also has helping role in production of immune cells. So it is needed for proper function of immunity.

LDL cholesterol causes heart diseases. This vitamin oxidizes LDL cholesterol so it shows that it has role in reducing heart diseases.

2.     Benefits for Skin Health

It has many roles for skin as well.  As a radicals neutralizer it reduces the aging signs and wrinkles. It provides elasticity to the skin. It has role in keeping the skin moisturized by providing and retaining hydration of skin. It repairs and regenerate the skin so have essential role in healing of scars, wounds and sunburns.  It is used in the anti-aging, moisturizers and ointment creams for skin health

3.     Benefits for Hair

It improves the circulation of blood to scalp which is helpful in hair growth. It also gives shine and softness to hair because it keeps them moisturization provided by vitamin E also decreases the chance of damage by environmental factors. As antioxidant it also contributes to reduce stress of scalp which in turn, reduces dandruff.

It is used in antidandruff shampoos, conditioners, serums, and oils made for scalp and hair.

4.     Benefits for women

It keeps the hormones balance for proper functioning and to alleviate signs of PMS and menopause. It is beneficial to keep reproductive track healthy to improve fertility and promotes health of uterine lining to aid in reproductive process. During pregnancy to support health of mother and fetal development adequate supply of vitamin is essential.

5.     Benefits for Eye Health

It has oxidative properties which is helpful in protecting eyes from damage and cell decay. Unstable free radicals causes damage to structure of eye’s cells and causes eye diseases. It neutralizes these radicals to protect eye and reduces the risk of cataracts.

Food Sources of Vitamin E

Vitamin E has many nutritional values so it is essential to include its portion in diet. It is present in following foods

Wheat germ oil

Sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil

Sunflower seeds

Almonds

Peanut

Peanut butter

Beet greens,

Collard greens, spinach

Pumpkin

Red bell pepper

Asparagus

Mangoes

Avocados

Deficiency of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is present in variety of foods and supplements so it is rare to develop its deficiency. But people with digestive disorder may not able to absorb it from blood.

1. It causes retinopathy in which retina of the eye gets damage and can cause impair vision.
2. A cataract is eye condition aroused by molecular degeneration which is caused by deficiency of vitamin E. Cataracts are characterized as clouding of the lens which is responsible for blurred vision.
3. Its deficiency may cause peripheral neuropathy in which peripheral nerves gets damaged due free radicals. It causes pain and weakness especially in hands and feet.
4. It may cause impaired immune response
5. Another condition which is arises by its deficiency is Ataxia in which brains loss control over body movements.

Conclusion

Vitamin E is essential for proper functioning of the body. It has many benefits for skin, eyes, women’s reproductive track and overall health. It is Advantageous to include vitamin E rich food in diet to stay healthy and fit.

It is advised to consult a health care provider for proper checkup and before start of any supplements.

Additional Resource

“The Vitamin E Factor” by Dr. Michael A. McCully.