Vitamin E, also called alpha-tocopherol, is believed to reduce plaque buildup and preliminary research has led to beliefs that it may help delay coronary heart disease by limiting the oxidation of cholesterol. It may also help prevent the formation of blood clots which may eventually lead to heart attacks. Aside from this, Vitamin E’s health benefits include faster wound healing, skin enhancement, the proper functioning of the immune system and protection against various diseases.
Although an essential nutrient, Vitamin E deficiency is less likely to occur except in individuals with rare fat metabolism disorders. The most abundant food sources are vegetable oil. It is found commonly in wheat products, nuts, and poultry. Vitamin E supplements are also available commercially.
The main function of Vitamin E is similar to that of an antioxidant. It helps remove free radicals, which are unstable compounds responsible for damaging cell structure. The buildup of free radicals may increase the risk of cancer and weakens the immune system. Vitamin E also helps protect the eyes from diseases like cataract and glaucoma. Diabetes, pancreatic disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease are just a few of the diseases that Vitamin E is used for.
Vitamin E may prevent and limit the oxidation of cholesterol. Cholesterol will convert into plaque, which thickens the blood, causes blood clot, and will eventually lead to strokes and heart attacks. Vitamin E from foods have also shown lesser risk of stroke for post-menopausal women.
Vitamin E is also well known for the benefits it gives to the skin. The topical use of Vitamin E helps retain moisture and prevents skin from drying, resulting to itchiness and lip chapping. It also protects the skin from ultraviolet light and heal wounds faster. Vitamin E is a main ingredient in most creams, lotions and sunscreens for topical application.
Vitamin E is also recommended for people with osteoarthritis. Having anti-inflammatory effects, Vitamin E is traditionally used to relieve arthritic pain and improves the mobility of joints.
By: Elizabeth Boardman
Posts Tagged ‘Free Radicals’
Women Health – The Negative Effects of Tobacco on Women
November 7th, 2009
Since the 60s, smoking women has continued to grow: the proportion of smokers rose from 10 to 22% in 40 years on the 15 million smokers in USA. The women smoke more and more and earlier. The first cigarette is usually taken between 14 and 16 years. Cigarette smoke passes from the lungs to the brain within 10 seconds, carrying so much faster than would intravenous injection of illicit drugs. Smoking cigarettes send some 4,000 chemicals to the body.
Tobacco and gynecological disorders
Smoking decreases the secretion of estrogen. It may therefore be responsible for menstrual disorders with irregularities and pain. There is also often a change of tone of voice, which becomes hoarse, and an increase of hairs. Menopause occurs 1 to 2 years earlier than average among smokers. Hot flashes are more intense and the risk of osteoporosis is increased. Tobacco also promotes the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix.
Tobacco and skin
Due to a lack of oxygenation of the skin, smokers are more often dull complexion and “clouded”. The cellular exchanges have slowed and the waste is not eliminated. The skin loose his radiance and elasticity. Wrinkles appear prematurely, with 10 to 20 years ahead, especially at the lips. Smoking stimulates the production of free radicals that damage the elastin and collagen.
Tobacco and the pill
35% of women aged 20 to 44 years who take contraceptive smoke, increasing from 4 to 10 times the risk of cardiovascular problems. Combining a contraceptive with cigarettes is a major health hazard, especially past 35 years. Indeed, nicotine promotes deposition of fat in the blood vessels and damages arteries. The blood thickens and the risk of thrombosis, stroke and cerebral vascular accident (stroke) is accentuated. These evils are aggravated by contraceptives.
Smoking and Pregnancy
Cigarette smoking decreases by 50% female fertility: thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm progression, lack of estrogen reduces the quality of the uterine wall and restricts blood flow necessary for the implantation of the egg. Smoking increases by 3 the risk of miscarriage, and by 2 ectopic pregnancies and premature births. There is also stunted fetus that is not well oxygenated. Its weight is generally lower than 200 g at birth. In addition, smokers lactating produce 25% less milk than non-smokers.
Tobacco and weight
Smoking reduce the taste and smell. In addition, nicotine stimulates the nervous system that causes a cut-hunger, slows the storage of fat in adipocytes and artificially increases energy expenditure to 200 calories per day compared to non-smoker. The smokers have a weight lower than they would if they do not smoke (around 4 kg). So when you stop smoking, you just go back to your normal weight. No need to worry! However physical activity is still recommended to stabilize the weight. If you start to gain to much weight, try to eat better by cutting in the fat and salt.
It may be a good idea to consult a dietetist to help stabilize your weight while you stop smoking. Consulting a dietetist is a sure way to establish a healthy and balanced diet. Using dangerous product like laxative and purgative are dangerous and not the solution to long lasting weight loss!
Good luck!
By: James S. Pendergraft