What can vitamin E do for you?

Did you know there are loads of different ways vitamin E can benefit your health? Here's how!

A superstar nutrient with antioxidant capability, vitamin E offers a multitude of preventive benefits, including protection against heart disease, cancer, and a broad range of other disorders. Working at the cellular level, vitamin E may even slow the aging process. Vitamin E is a generic term for a group of related compounds called tocopherols, which occur in four major forms: alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherols. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common and most potent form of the vitamin. Because it is fat-soluble, vitamin E is stored for relatively long periods in the body, mainly in fat tissue and the liver. Wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are the best dietary sources.

• Alzheimer's disease
• Asthma
• Cataracts
• Certain forms of cancer
• Heart disease
• Skin wounds
• Wrinkles

Vitamin E has long been linked to a glowing complexion because its antioxidants help to heal damaged skin. It can help guard against acne scars and even wrinkles. Sprinkle wheat germ on yogourt and cereal and into pancake mix to help your skin look its best.

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E may play a role in protecting against cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Findings from two large studies suggest that getting adequate E may reduce the risk of heart disease by 25 to 50 per cent — and it may prevent angina (chest pain) as well.

Large population studies have shown that people who consume a lot of foods rich in vitamins C and E may reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. In one study, people who got the most E from foods had a risk of Alzheimer's that was 67 percent lower than that of people who got the least. Vitamin E appears to boost lung function. Because it protects cells from free-radical damage, some experts think that vitamin E may slow the aging process.

• It may be best to get your vitamin E from food. In one study, people who took vitamin E supplements had a slightly elevated risk for heart failure. If you take supplements, don't take more than 400 IU a day.
• Vitamin E has anticlotting properties, so people on prescription blood-thinning drugs or aspirin should consult their doctors before taking E supplements.

• Sunflower seeds
• Almonds
• Spinach
• Tomato sauce
• Hazelnuts
• Soy milk
• Canola oil