With its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E is now recognised as essential for our health. Vitamin E supports the immune system, and has been implicated in helping to prevent diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
As our bodies cannot manufacture Vitamin E, it has to be acquired either from food or via supplements. Fortunately it is found in a variety of food sources, including:
- Wholegrain cereals
- Eggs
- Wheatgerm
- Wheatgerm oil
- Sunflower oil
- Almond oil
- Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli
Other sources include sweet potatoes, molasses, nuts, organ meats, oatmeal, and desiccated liver. Alternatively, you can take a daily supplement.
The vital functions of this nutrient include:
- Antioxidant: Antioxidants help to protect your cell membranes from the harmful action of unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals. It is believed that these free radicals are a factor in conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
- The immune system: This is the system that helps protect you against a whole range of diseases. By helping protecting the thymus gland and the circulating white blood cells, it keeps the immune system working optimally.
- Cardiovascular disease: Insufficient intake increases the risk of heart disease. It appears to both lower blood cholesterol levels and also decrease the formation of blood clots.
- Eye problems: This nutrient is essential to the health of your eyes, helping to protect against the formation of cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Cancer: It appears to help reduce the incidence of cancer in the lungs, cervix, and gastrointestinal tract.
