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 ‘Menopausal Women’
Exercise May Relieve Menopause Symptoms
November 1st, 2009
Your New Year’s resolution to exercise more often could also help relieve some common symptoms of menopause. A new study done in Pennsylvania suggested that regular physical exercise may help reduce many of the menopausal afflictions that women deal with, including stress, anxiety and depression.
This approach seems much safer than hormonal replacement therapy for women afflicted by the effects of menopause, although the researchers admit that there doesn’t seem to be a significant relationship between exercise and the elimination of hot flashes.
There is, however, a substantial reduction in the levels of depression, anxiety and stress among women who are physically active. Women who do not engage in regular physical activity are much more likely to suffer from these negative symptoms.
The study is significant for several reasons. While exercise does not appear to impact some of temporary symptoms, such as hot flashes, it has a much more substantial effect on many of the long-term ailments that are associated with menopause.
The surprising aspect of the study was that the level of physical activity necessary to decrease the symptoms of menopause was minimal. Just walking a short distance as a part of a daily routine, for example, was enough to have a positive impact.
It was interesting to note that, as a group, black women tend to suffer more from menopausal symptoms than whites and that moderate exercise seems to have a more significant impact for this demographic as well.
One reason for hot flashes in women is a fluctuation of hormone levels which affect the brain’s center controlling body temperature.
Other research indicated that while exercise does not appear to reduce the number of hot flashes that menopausal women experience, those who are physically active tend to “care less about having them.”
This finding supports the psychological, as well as physical, benefits that exercise offers. The reduced levels of estrogen that accompanies menopause does lead to an increase of stress, anxiety and depression. The mental benefits of physical activity is significant in terms of reducing the intensity of these symptoms.
For more information on menopause visit the National Women’s Health Information Center.
Stay Healthy.
By: Tim D Wright