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 ‘Heart Attacks’
What Do We Know About Heart Disease?
January 20th, 2010
Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of different diseases which affect the heart and is the leading cause of death in the United States as of 2007. Heart disease is synonymous with cardiac disease but not with cardiovascular disease which is any disease of the heart or blood vessels. Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women. Being overweight raises your risk for heart disease.
Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. People with high blood cholesterol or high blood triglycerides often have no symptoms, so have your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked regularly. There are two types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the “bad” type of cholesterol because it can clog the arteries that carry blood to your heart.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular disease is any of a number of specific diseases that affect the heart itself and/or the blood vessel system, especially the veins and arteries leading to and from the heart. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death in the United States despite improvements in prevention, detection, and treatment. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of disability among working adults.
Arteries
When you have CAD, your arteries become hard and narrow. High blood cholesterol can clog your arteries and keep your heart from getting the blood it needs. Heart disease is caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. When damage occurs to the lining of our arteries (or even elsewhere) chemicals are released to initiate the process of inflammation. And the constriction of our arteries and the “thickening” of our blood further predisposes us to high blood pressure and heart attacks.
High blood pressure is a primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are symptoms of and conditions caused by coronary heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease is a narrowing of or blockage in the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle itself (coronary artery disease). You can find out more about heart disease by contacting the National Women’s Health Information Center at 1-800-994-9662.
By: Gina Reay