Dorothy FarrarVitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the essential vitamins because the human body cannot produce it itself. Therefore, the vitamin E has to rely on an external way to be ingested with the help of food. Vitamin E has many health-promoting properties. In addition to a general strengthening of the immune system , vitamin E can help reduce the risk of cancer.
Meaning and effect
They all have the same meaning for the body, so the individual variants do not have to be differentiated more precisely in practical application. Fat-soluble vitamin E is built into cells’ membranes.
The cell membranes form the “skeleton” of the cells. Inside, other membranes form important structures that perform vital functions. Biological membranes are delicate structures. Vitamin E serves here as a so-called free-radical scavenger, which eliminates aggressive substances. As a result, vitamin E protects the body cells from decay.
Vitamin E also has a reputation for breaking down deposits in blood vessels and providing limited protection against cancer cells. Vitamin E plays a crucial role in the gonads and led to the term “fertility vitamin” early on. Vitamin E also strengthens the body’s defences. In the interaction with vitamin C, the two vitamins can regenerate each other. In contrast to other vitamins, humans can store vitamin E in larger amounts.
Vitamin E–Deficiency
High-dose vitamin E is often the doctor’s first step when it comes to treating sterility. An adequate supply of vitamin E is also an important factor for the general performance of the body. Vitamin E protects the membrane-rich nerve cords.
A lack of vitamin E leads to restlessness and concentration problems. The benefits of vitamin E for cell formation are essential for wound healing. Anyone suffering from injuries that heal poorly can take a higher dose of vitamin E. Vitamin E prevents infections such as colds by strengthening the immune system.
The body’s own defenses also attack cancer cells, which means that vitamin E has twofold protection against tumor diseases: an optimally functioning immune system fights the degenerated cells, and in its capacity as a radical scavenger, vitamin E can protect cells from degenerating. Radicals are also known to be a contributing factor to heart attacks and cataracts. Vitamin E is therefore regarded as protection against the most common widespread diseases.
A side effect of vitamin E is of a cosmetic nature, so the nutrient is considered to promote the appearance of skin, hair and fingernails and toenails. The body needs the versatile vitamin E more in life situations such as pregnancy or in the event of intense stress. With a very active lifestyle, which also includes sport, you shouldn’t let it come to undersupply either. Smokers also have a higher need.
Need and occurrence in food
The minimum daily intake of vitamin E for an average adult is 12 mg (1 milligram is 1/10 gram). This amount is already contained in about 100 g of margarine, for example. In general, vegetable fats are good suppliers of vitamin E. 100 g of wheat germ oil contain 190 mg of vitamin E.
Solid vegetable fats such as coconut fat are also rich in vitamin E. Animal foods that contain vitamin E are milk and dairy products. Nuts and almonds are healthy food due to their vitamin E content. Vegetables also contain vitamin E, but not in the same amounts as pure vegetable oils.
Cereals only contain significant amounts of vitamin E if they are unprocessed. This is because vitamin E does not keep well. Even light can destroy vitamin E, which is why it is always recommended to store food containing vitamin E away from light.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.