How Vitamin E Keeps You Looking and Feeling Younger!

Why Vitamin E?

It prevents unstable molecules called 'free radicals' from damaging cells and tissues, which contributes to premature aging.

Recent research shows that vitamin E helps to:

1. Prevent heart disease
2. Speeds wound healing
3. Helps protect lungs from inhaled pollutants in our environment

Research experts suspect that it may offer other health goodies such as:

1. Preventing premature aging of the skin
2. Alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
3. Help prevent cataracts

Food Sources of Vitamin E

Nutrition experts say that most of us can get enough of this nutrient in our diets, and don't need supplements. Of course, this is assuming that most of our food choices are healthful ones. The best food sources include:

1. Plant oils like safflower or corn oil
2. Nuts
3. Dark leafy greens
4. Organ meats
5. Seafood
6. Eggs
7. Avocados

Possible Deficiencies

Though vitamin E deficiency is rare, some of you may be at risk. For instance, if you:

1. Have a condition that limits fat absorption (like Crohn's disease or cystic fibrosis)
2. Are following a very low-fat diet
3. Are suffering from malnutrition

You may be at risk for a vitamin E deficiency and should see a nutritionist or physician regarding proper supplementation options.

Safety Precautions

In some rare cases, vitamin E supplementation can pose health risks. For instance, if you are taking blood-thinners such as Warfarin, Heparin or aspirin you should not take vitamin E supplements. Doing so can increase your risk of bleeding.

However, for most of others, supplementation in lower doses of 100-200 IU daily is considered safe by most experts. Again, we always recommend that you get the advice of a trusted medical professional before making any dietary changes through food or supplementation. This is just good nutrition sense.

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