Vitamins play an essential role in the body both in adults and in children, and as a result, it is vital that we eat a balanced diet that provides the body with the many vitamins it needs.
While the body needs vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and E, amongst others, this article will be concerning itself with the main function of vitamin E to the body and also with tips that are necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
Vitamin E is vital in the body as it helps to fight against disease and infections such as those that affect the brain and nervous system like Alzheimer's disease and also Parkinson's disease.
What is Vitamin E and the Main Function of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a vitamin that can quickly dissolve in fat. It can be found in foods such as meat, poultry, vegetable oils, fruits, eggs, vegetables, wheat germ oil, and cereals. Vitamin E is also available as a dietary supplement for people who suffer from vitamin E deficiency.
In the body, Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, which helps to reduce the effect of the process that is harmful to the body cells. Vitamin E is used to describe eight separate compounds, with Alpha-tocopherol been the most active of the eight compounds present in the human body.
Vitamin E deficiency in the body can lead to a condition known as scurvy. This can lead to exhaustion, anemia, spontaneous bleeding, pains in the leg, and swellings in major parts of the body.
Structure of Vitamin E
Vitamin E exists more actively as a-tocopherol, which is derived from a 6-hydroxychroman with methyl groups situated in location 2, 5, 7, and 8 with a phytyl side chain attached at the carbon two atoms.
Vitamin E exists in 3 groups, namely tocotrienols, tocopherols, and tocomonoenol:
- Tocotrienols compose of six forms with three double bonds located in the side chain.
- Tocopherols compose of four types with a saturated phytol side chain.
- The tocomonoenols composes of two forms having just one double bond located in the side chain.
Can You Overdose with Vitamin E
While there are few known cases of vitamin E overdose, too much vitamin in the body hurts how the body functions.
The recommended dosage of vitamin E depends solely on whether or not you need vitamin E to treat a medical condition. In healthy adults and children, the recommended daily dosage shouldn't be more than 1,000 international units (IUs) per day.
In cases where the synthetic supplement is utilized, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for people who are older than the age of 14 is 15 milligrams (mg). The best way to ensure that you avoid vitamin E deficiency is to get enough vitamin E in your diet.
This can easily be achieved by adding a tablespoon of wheat germ oil in your daily cooking, or you could snack on some sunflower seeds, which can help to provide your body with 20 milligrams (mg) of vitamin E capable of serving you for a whole day.
However, you can get creative with your recipes to ensure that you get in enough vitamin E in your diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Which Form of Vitamin E Supplement Should We Take
A lot of people consume vitamin E supplements in a bid to use the oxidative properties of the vitamin to treat or prevent ailments. The truth is that studies have shown that vitamin E isn't an effective treatment for cataracts, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and many other conditions.
The only breakthrough, however, is that vitamin E supplements have been known to help people who suffer from vitamin E deficiency.
Vitamin E is available in the supplement form as d-alpha-tocopherol, which occurs naturally, and di-alpha-tocopherol, which arises in a synthetic form.
Naturally Sourced Vitamin E
by Solgar
Of the two forms, the ones which occur naturally are more biologically active than the synthetic form. Whenever you purchase vitamin E supplements, it is crucial that you check the label to ensure that you are buying the one that suits your needs.
Besides, the best way to get vitamin E is to eat a balanced diet examples includes dry roasted hazelnut, dry roasted sunflower seeds, dry roasted peanuts, boiled spinach, chopped and boiled broccoli, raw tomato, sliced mango, and kiwi fruit.
Vitamin E Oil for Scars
You must have probably heard that vitamin E oil is useful in healing scars and also in reducing their visibility. While there isn't any clinical evidence to back this claim, researchers found vitamin E to be effective in improving the way wounds heal when used before and after surgery.
The effect of this on scars isn't different from other scar healing reliefs such as Aquaphor ointments. There is also research that suggests that vitamin E in the form of supplements is effective in healing people with severe skin damage. T
his is because vitamin E helps to safeguard the tissues in the body from free radicals, which are capable of damaging the cell and speeding the rate of aging.
Vitamin E and Acne Removal
The antioxidants contained in vitamin E are capable of eliminating acne and also in getting rid of the scar. It also helps to hydrate the skin making it shine and reduces the effect of aging. Vitamin E oil is also useful in neutralizing free radicals that damage the skin.
It also helps to maintain the production of proteins that benefit the skin, such as elastin and collagen, which are essential in the treatment of pimples and acne.
Vitamin E for Lips
A dry or cracked lip is a common phenomenon, especially during harsh weather conditions, and as a result, a lot of people tend to turn to vitamin E as a solution due to its ability to act as a mild sunscreen which protects the lips when applied on it.
In the case of chapped lips, it is advisable to consume vitamin E capsules and use the oil directly to your mouth to speed up the healing process.
Tips on Living a Healthy Lifestyle
With the day to day requirement of making ends meet, it is easy to forget to take care of oneself and lead a healthy lifestyle. Beside protect the body from diseases and ailments, it is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle. Below are some tips on how best to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Eat a Balanced Diet
This is crucial to provide your body with the optimum nutrition it requires. Ensure your diet contains all the macro elements needed for your body to function correctly.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is also great for the heart and also improving your mental wellbeing. You don’t necessarily need to be part of a gym to exercise; there is home work out that you can engage in to keep your body in shape.
Get Enough Rest
Ensure your sleep schedule is 6 hours every night. You should start by getting yourself the most proper mattress to ensure you have the best slumber.
Last Updated on February 28, 2020 by Nick J-Pepe
