
Most often known as an elite ingredient in moisturizers and body butter,
Vitamin E is certainly present in our daily lives, but is being underestimated
for its ability to balance out our immune system and potential cancer-prevention
properties. The term “Vitamin E” actually refers to a combination
of eight different compounds, including, delta-tocotrienol and RRR-alpha-tocopheryl
succinate; Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect your cells
from damage.[1]
Vitamin E is also highly important for its ability to oxidize the harmful
byproducts of the fats we consume. By this, “accelerated aging takes
place in your body when cells are exposed to molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals weaken and break down healthy cells.”1 The eight compounds that make up Vitamin E work to minimize this, making
sure that your body absorbs the healthy components of fats instead. A
way to visualize this process is to think of the oxidation of fat cells
as the way rust compounds onto metal; Vitamin E is the material that removes
the ‘rust’ of our body.
Vitamin E and Cancer
Vitamin E has been extensively studied in relation to cancer and other
diseases, specifically breast cancer. The notion of cancer prevention
through diet modification is not new; however, research is beginning to
reveal how a “dietary supplementation of vitamin E, a lipid-soluble
antioxidant, may reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.”[2]
For example, “several studies reviewed the effects of standard vitamin
E products (alpha tocopherol acetate) taken by themselves. The results
fail to show a protective benefit, even when high doses of these alpha-tocopherol
supplements are consumed. This indicates that other forms of vitamin E
found in food (such as gamma tocopherol and tocotrienols) may be responsible
for providing the dramatic protective effect against breast cancer shown
in surveys that evaluate total vitamin E intake.”[3] What this suggests is that Vitamin E functions as a whole: the combination
of each of the eight compounds creates a unique relationship that more
effective than any of the compounds individually.
In addition, “another method that scientists have used to ascertain
vitamin E's potential benefit is to measure frozen blood levels of
vitamin E and then follow up to see how many women subsequently develop
breast cancer. One study of postmenopausal women showed a modest 20% reduction
in breast cancer risk in the highest quartile of serum vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
compared to the lowest.”3 This further supports the claim that Vitamin E and its unique chemical
makeup help to prevent breast cancer when taken regularly and in proper
dosages. While these findings are yet to be referred to as concrete fact,
they can contextually support the fact that a well-maintained, balanced
diet is crucial in order to have our best health.
Integrating Calcium in Your Diet
Our body usually receives enough Vitamin E through a balanced diet rich
in healthy oils and greens. Vitamin E also helps to maintain a healthy
immune system and can be found in the following foods, among others:[4]
- Almonds
- Raw seeds
- Swiss chard
- Mustard greens
- Spinach
- Turnip greens
- Kale
- Plant oils
- Hazelnuts
- Pine nuts
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Parsley
- Papaya
- Olives
Most people receive adequate amounts of Vitamin E through an organic, well-balanced
diet, and some also benefit from taking a regular Vitamin E supplement
to maintain that their consumption remains consistent. Tips for increasing
your natural consumption include substituting plant, avocado, or peanut
oils for butter or margarine; you can also add seeds on top of salads
or snack on trail mixes. To learn more about integrating Vitamin E-rich
foods or Vitamin E supplements into your diet, consult your doctor or
physician.
More Information
Vitamin E is an important component in maintaining our health; it is a
fat-soluble antioxidant that helps our body neutralize the oxidation of
fats. For more information on integrating Vitamin E into your diet, consult
your physician. You can also contact our medical team
here; we are happy to assist you and look forward to speaking with you!
[1] “The Benefits of Vitamin E.”
Healthline. 2016.
[2] Kimmick, G.G., R.A. Bell, and R.M. Bostick. “Vitamin E and breast
cancer: a review.”
NCBI. 1997.
[3] Morrow, Dr. Michele. “Does Vitamin E Prevent Breast Cancer?”
Life Extension. 2002.
[4] Dr. Edward Group. “15 Foods High in Vitamin E.”
Global Healing Center. 2011.