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Almond Street Natural Foods
Your Healthy Resource Center
Your Healthy Resource Center
Health Foods Multivitamins Herbal Formulas Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the
body that cause tissue and cellular damage. Vitamin E also contributes to a
healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting and improves
wound healing. Some studies have shown that vitamin E decreases symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome and certain types of breast disease.
Other studies have shown that taking large doses of Vitamin E has decreased
the risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Animal studies have suggested that
vitamin E does slow the development of atherosclerosis, but the American
Heart Association doesn't recommend using supplements until the effects are
proven in large-scale, carefully controlled clinical trials.
Nutritionists categorize vitamins by the materials that a vitamin will dissolve in.
There are two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble
vitamins—vitamins A, D, E and K—are stored in the fat tissues of the body for
a few days to up to six months. If you get too much of a fat-soluble vitamin, it
can be stored in your liver and may sometimes cause health problems. Vitamin E
is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Taking mega-doses of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to toxicity. Eating a normal
diet of foods rich in these vitamins won't cause a problem. Remember, you only
need small amounts of any vitamin.
Some health problems can make it hard for a person's body to absorb these
vitamins. If you have a chronic health condition, ask your doctor about
whether your vitamin absorption will be affected.
How Much Vitamin E Is Enough?
Women need 8 milligrams and men need 10 milligrams of vitamin E daily.
Sources of Vitamin E
Wheat germ
Vegetable oil and margarine
Avocado
Whole grain products
Egg yolk
Nuts
Liver
Peanut butter
Can You Have Too Much or Too Little?
It's almost impossible to have a vitamin E deficiency, but too much can cause
nausea and digestive tract problems.
Vitamin Storage
If you want to get the most vitamins possible from your food, refrigerate fresh
produce, and keep milk and grains away from strong light. Vitamins are easily
destroyed and washed out during food preparation and storage. If you take
vitamin supplements, store them at room temperature in a dry place that’s
free of moisture.