What is Vitamin E?
It comprises a set of eight classes of molecules that are divided into Tocopherols and Tocotrienols.
The Alpha-Tocopherol, being this its scientific name, is what is properly known as Vitamin E. It is of the fat-soluble type, being diluted in fat and oils, and stored to be used when necessary.
It normally accumulates in sectors where more free radicals are generated, such as mitochondrial membranes and tissues of the heart and lungs.It is obtained through foods rich in this vitamin, by means of vitamin complexes or concentrated capsules.
The vitamin contains multiple properties that serve to fight diseases and the deterioration generated by the course of time. It is popularly known as “The Vitamin of Youth” being its main function the improvement of the appearance of the skin. In addition to this, it is an antioxidant, it helps in the regular functioning of the organs, the coagulation and the immune system.
What is Vitamin E used for?
This vitamin fulfills important functions in the organism of the human being, these are:
Antioxidant
Take care of tissues, cells and organs from the damage caused by free radicals. When oxidized in the organism, it protects from the breakdown by oxygen to other fat-soluble substances, such as the necessary vitamin A. Its antioxidant function is essential for the lungs, where cells have greater exposure to oxygen. Protects the white and red blood cells of the body, so it is a promoter of the immune system. It helps in the absorption of vitamin K.
Anticoagulant
Prevents blood from clotting inside the vessels by widening them.
Hormone regulator It contributes to the normal progress of the nervous and endocrine system, helping in the hormonal balance.
In women it regulates the menstruation and the symptomatology of the Menstrual Syndrome, also it diminishes the risks of abortion. In men, fertility is related to the mobility of sperm. At the same time it reduces fluid retention, fatigue, anxiety, changes in skin and allergies.
Benefits of Vitamin E
Being an antioxidant protects the body from the harmful agents that cause the degeneration and death of cells and tissues. In this way it prevents the formation of wrinkles and delays the symptoms of aging.
It fights infections and viral diseases because of its effect on the body’s defense system.
It helps in the healing, healing of wounds and burns, since it causes the development of collagen and elastic fibers.
It helps the body in the absorption of other necessary vitamins such as A and K.
It is protective of the membranes of organs such as the lungs, heart, liver and brain, also of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
It is diuretic and reduces cramps and fatigue caused by circulatory problems.
Levels the blood sugar, being useful in diabetics.
Foods rich in Vitamin E
-Nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts.
-Seeds: sunflower, pumpkin, chia.
-Vegetable oils: Corn, sunflower, soybeans, wheat germ, safflower, olive.
-Whole grains : wheat germ, oats, barley.
-Blue fish: herring, swordfish, trout.
-Leafy green vegetables: spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard.
-Fruits: papaya, avocado.
-Egg yolk, milk and margarine.
Vitamin E for skin and hair
The skin and hair are the letter of introduction of any person, so they involve so much care. This vitamin is very popular in terms of beauty and freshness, due to its antioxidant functions. The skin and hair are the most benefited, as it prevents aging, dryness and hair loss.
Skin
The skin is like an album of memories of the human being, since it shows the passage of time. Marks such as stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight gain or loss, scars, wrinkles, moles, etc., can be improved by using vitamin E.
This vitamin promotes the elasticity of the skin and improves the bases for hydration. It makes the skin look luscious by reducing cellular inflammation. It favors faster regeneration of tissues damaged by exposure to the sun, smoke, pollution or even acne.
Hair
The vitamin attacks the free radicals that damage the scalp, keeping the hair follicles healthy. It stimulates the circulation of blood in the area, regulates the pH of the scalp and the excessive production of oil. These functions prevent the fall, itching and the formation of dandruff, generating a healthy and strong growth of the hair.
A practical way to enjoy the benefits of vitamin E, is to apply directly on the skin or hair. There are many skin creams, hair conditioners and treatments that can be used. However, it is always important to inform the specialist before using any product.
Vitamin E against diseases
In addition to being widely used in the field of beauty, it has many properties that help fight various diseases.
-In combination with other substances and minerals, it decreases the chances of developing cancer of the bladder, colon, rectum, prostate and skin.
-It decreases rheumatic arthritis, macular degeneration and the chances of developing some heart disease.
-It helps in the prevention and control of Parkinson’s.
-Stops or slows the progression of Alzheimer’s.
-It prevents blood platelets from clumping together, therefore reducing the risks that can damage the arteries.
-Prevents hypertension by protecting the body from harmful molecules such as free radicals.
-It produces a lot of energy in people of any age, so it helps optimize physical performance.
Vitamin E against aging
This vitamin not only combats old age externally, but also does it from the inside. Restores wrinkles and skin spots caused by the sun and the years. Improves the elasticity, moisture and texture of the skin thus avoiding very common diseases. On the other hand, it allows the immune system to stay strong and fight against diseases and cell aging.
Prevents cardiovascular complications and protects some organs that may weaken over the years. It promotes the formation of collagen and elastic fibers that prevent vision problems, such as macular degeneration.
Presentation in capsules
The usual way to obtain this vitamin is through food. But nowadays vitamin E can also be found in concentrated capsules, thus guaranteeing the full consumption of it.
The presentation in capsules consists of a soft-coated tablet, usually yellow or amber. Each capsule contains 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin, which is equivalent to 268 milligrams.
Recommended dosage
The Recommended Daily Consumption (CDR) of vitamins depends on factors such as sex and age. They also influence periods such as pregnancy, lactation or some diseases:
–Infants from 0-6 months are 4 mg per day; from 7 months to a year correspond 5 mg daily.
–Children of 1-3 years 6 milligrams; from 4 to 8 are 7 mg; and from 9 years to 13 are 11 mg per day.
–In adolescents and adults , starting at age 14, there are 15 milligrams of vitamin per day.
The same dose is recommended to adolescents and pregnant women.
While in adolescents and women breastfeeding is recommended daily consumption of 19 milligrams. These doses may vary for people with a more active lifestyle, such as athletes. For adults, the maximum safe daily dose is 1500 IU of vitamin E naturally. And 1000 IU daily in synthetic form.
It is important to always keep a medical check and make inquiries related to the necessary consumption of vitamins.
Contraindications
Vitamin E is little harmful to health when taken orally or when applied to the skin. Even so, if it is consumed for long periods or in large quantities, it can cause blood clotting problems . While a vitamin deficit can produce anemia.
Hemophilic people who take anticoagulants or who suffer from hemorrhages should not consume it. As also those who suffer from heart disease or diabetes should not exceed 400 IU per day.
The symptoms of an overdose will be itching, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, weakness, headache, blurred vision, bleeding and bruising.
recommendations
A balanced diet of minerals, nutrients and vitamins will be the best method to avoid diseases and delay aging. Before making use of a vitamin supplement you should consult the specialist doctors.
Supplements are not the substitute for food. They only serve to complete the recommended daily doses of minerals and vitamins for a balanced diet.
Vitamin E capsules can be used orally or directly on the skin. However, the other components that make up the capsule must be checked to avoid allergic reactions to them.
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