Benefits of Vitamin E
There's many health benefits of Vitamin E but are you getting enough? Taking a supplement is smart in todays world of nutrient stripped foods, make sure your supplement is natural vitamin e for maximum effect. It's also wise to eat a healthy diet that will include foods with Vitamin E. Worried about Vitamin E toxicity? Don't be, unless you are mega dosing your risk for toxicity is quite low.
Health Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight cancer and disease by helping to combat free radicals which are constantly assaulting your body trying to steal electrons from your cells. Vitamin E helps by giving the electron to the free radical before it can steal it. In addition, recent studies show that it can help fight heart disease - a study published in the 3/23/1996 issue of the Lancet showed that low levels of Vitamin E was predictive of heart attack 62% of the time. Other health benefits of Vitamin E include immune system support, prevention of liver spots and may help prevent cataracts.
Why Natural Vitamin E?
Vitamin e is manufactured in 2 ways - by using soybeans or by using petroleum. The natural vitamin e is made using soybeans. Which would you rather have - soybeans or petroleum? Natural vitamin E is more potent than the type that is synthesized from petroleum so scrutinize the label when buying Vitamin E supplements.
Foods With Vitamin E
In addition to a natural Vitamin E supplement, you can add to your health by eating a diet rich in foods with vitamin E. These foods also contain other healthy vitamins and minerals so you'll be getting a lot more than just the health benefits of Vitamin E. Foods with Vitamin E include wheat germ oil (this is loaded with it!, nuts, soybeans, apples, turnips, broccoli and leafy greens. Since it is rather hard to get enough of the vitamin from food sources, taking a supplement along with these foods has little risk of Vitamin E toxicity.
How Much Do You Need?
The RDA for vitamin is 22 iu. Keep in mind this is the minimum amount that you necessary in order to not have a deficiency. However, to get the full benefits of Vitamin E, studies show that a natural vitamin E supplement of 800 IU can be taken with no ill effects (study was for 4 months, long term effects not studied). The Institute of Medicine has an upper limit of 1500 IU per day where they feel no adverse side effects will be shown. People that may need more vitamin E include anyone who cannot digest fat properly, anyone with severe gastrointestinal illness or who has had parts of the intestine removed. If you are worried about Vitamin E toxicity or feel you may need more than the average person - consult with your physician to see what is right for you and before taking any supplement.
Symptoms of Vitamin E Toxicity
Risk of Vitamin E toxicity is very low. Large doses may interfere with anticoagulant therapy so if you are on any blood thinning medication you should consult your doctor before taking natural Vitamin E. Some other side effects include sore breasts fatigue, reduced sexual function and hypertension.
Of Interest
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