Vitamin E – What You Need to Know

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient known mainly for its skin improvement capabilities.  It is said by experts to support the immune system and help combat diseases, including specific types of cancer. Many women are usually interested and aware of information about this vitamin because it is widely used in a range of cosmetics and skin care products, including lotions, creams, and soaps.  Here are some basic facts about vitamin E, including its uses and sources.

Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate) is the form of vitamin E that is the most helpful to the body (in comparison to synthetic vitamin E).  It can be found in many foods or through taking a supplement.  However, it is often recommended that vitamin E supplements are taken only if your diet cannot provide enough of the nutrient.  Your general practitioner or pharmacist should be able to give you all the necessary facts about vitamin E and what it can do for you and your body.

One of the more widely known benefits of vitamin E is its antioxidant properties.  Antioxidants are said to help fight free radicals – a combination of environmental and physiological elements that will cause cell damage and weaken immune function. Vitamin E also aids in preventing stroke, artery blockage and heart disease by stopping the conversion of fat into plaque and cholesterol.  Vitamin E can protect the skin, promote wound healing and is often applied directly to the skin to prevent scars from forming, but can also be taken orally for a variety of skin conditions such as dermatitis.

There is a great range of foods that contain vitamin E.  These include cold pressed vegetable oils, nuts, dairy and seeds.  In many cases, vitamin E can be consumed quite easily as part of a well balanced diet.  It can also be found in supplement form, more often than not in tablets and capsules. Vitamin E deficiency is somewhat rare in Australia as we have easy access to a wide range of healthy, vitamin E rich foods.

If you take a look in your bathroom cupboard, many of the moisturising properties in your creams and lotions are all thanks to vitamin E.  Although it does have a place for in the cosmetic cabinet, it is very important to ensure there is sufficient vitamin E in your daily intake of food to combat high blood pressure and other heart diseases.