Conflicting opinions often get presented about vitamin E and its health benefits. Evidence suggests it is useful in treating some serious ailments, though it is often unproven. What is proven is that it is a powerful antioxidant that can help with complexion and the repair of skin cells.
We’ll cut through the rumors and tell you exactly how vitamin E benefits your body and skin. We’ll also give a rundown on the options available and how much you should be taking to help your body detox in a natural, healthy fashion.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is actually not one vitamin, but a combination of eight various molecules. These molecules are made up of tocopherols and tocotrienols. They are necessary for the repair of the body and building the immune system.
Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties. Along with vitamin C, it was one of the first available antioxidants on the market as a dietary supplement.
Antioxidants assist in clearing the body of free radicals, which are linked to a number of ailments. These range from everything to sight degradation, cancer, and the physical effects of aging.
It is a fat-soluble compound. This means that your body can store it in fats and use it as and when it is needed. If you do not have the stores when you need them, it can cause some serious health problems.
What Foods Contain Vitamin E?
Vitamin E can be found in a number of foods, often in products that have healthy fats in them. Sunflower and wheatgerm oils contain the vitamin. You can also find it in many nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables such as spinach.
Fruits such as mangos, tomato, and kiwi also contain the vitamin. Many consumer products are now often fortified with vitamin E. Check the labeling to see how much is added to a product.
What Supplements Are Available?
Two options are available to increase your intake and ensure you get enough vitamin E per day. These are multivitamins and vitamin E only tablets. Multivitamins contain a little over the daily allowance for anyone and work fine.
Vitamin E only pills contain much more than you need for one day. It may be worth breaking the tablets in two and splitting them over two days if you go with this option. This can also save you a little money.
There are two forms of vitamin E tablets that you can buy on the market. One is the synthetic form, dl-alpha-tocopherol. The natural form is named d-alpha-tocopherol.
Both the synthetic form and natural form have the same health benefits. There is no known advantage or side effect from using either of the versions. If you are not sure which to try, always go for the natural option.
Vitamin E is also available in oil form. This can be applied to the skin and the body as you would apply any oil or moisturizing product. Many moisturizing products will already contain vitamin E oil, though a higher concentration product could have a number of beneficial effects on the body.
Am I Getting Enough Vitamin E?
Although many people do not get their recommended daily vitamin E intake, it can be hard to spot a deficiency in most healthy people. There are a number of signs to watch out for.
A lack of vitamin E is has been linked to many conditions and diseases in which fat is not absorbed into the body. Cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease are examples of this. For vitamin E to enter the body, it needs to be absorbed through fat.
A long term absence of vitamin E in the body can have serious consequences. Muscle and nerve damage, loss of vision, and loss of movement control or weakness are all serious signs of a vitamin E deficiency.
How Much Should I Take?
The most anyone should take in a day is around 19mg per day and that is only for pregnant women. Many supplements designed for women who are pregnant will include vitamin E. Other adults from 14 years and older should aim for around 15mg per day.
The intake of children will vary. At one to three years of age, children will only need 6mg increasing to 7mg as they go from four to eight years old. After this 11mg a day is a good amount as many children will need vitamin E as they mature into adults.
Going over your recommended limit a little will not cause any major problems. It is recommended that you do not overdose on vitamin E in large amounts as it will thin your blood. This can lead to blood not coagulating, clotting, and knitting wounds together.
Vitamin E Benefits
Vitamin E will be found in most good moisturizers that you may get from the beauty shop. It holds well against the skin, providing long-lasting hydration. It can be used for treating dermatitis and flaky or dry skin.
This is particularly true for anyone who may have itchy skin. This will undoubtedly be caused by a lack of moisture in the epidermis and vitamin E oil is an excellent treatment.
Increasing Cell Life
As you age, cells do not replenish in the way they used to do. This is down to free radicals, which form as part of your natural bodies process. Free radicals cause damage to cells, shortening their life.
Vitamin E will clear the body of free radicals. This means your cells are no longer under attack, increasing their longevity. Anyone who smokes or is regularly exposed to strong sunlight or pollution is at risk of increased numbers of free radicals and should consider vitamin E.
Healing Wounds and Scars
Although only a little research has been done on the topic, evidence suggests that vitamin E can help the process of healing.
This is particularly true when applied to scars. It can reduce the visibility of marks, blemish, and stretch marks if used as oil over a long period of time.
Relieving the Pain of Sunburn
Deep sunburn is extremely painful. It is dry and itchy due to dehydration in the epidermis. Vitamin E oil can help by moisturizing the area just as a traditional aftersun cream would do.
If applying with sunblock, make sure to put the vitamin E on first. This will lock it in, ensuring it can provide maximum hydration.
Treating Psoriasis
Although not as good as a traditional prescribed steroid cream or over the counter remedies, vitamin E oil can assist in aiding the pain of psoriasis.
It does this by moisturizing the area, keeping it hydrated. It is a great alternative for anyone trying to avoid manufactured pharmaceuticals or looking for a natural remedy.
Removing Yellowing From Nails
Nails that are cracked and yellowed can be treated using vitamin E. The nail is a form of skin and needs the same care and attention that any other part of your body would. Applying vitamin E oil keeps it moisturized and nourished.
It is just as important to keep the nail bed healthy as well, the bed being the cuticle and area around the nail. Apply vitamin E oil in small amounts regularly over a period of weeks to see an improvement.
Treating Eczema
Oral vitamin E supplements have been found to produce huge improvements in suffers of eczema. Though no studies have been done of its effects through the skin application, any firm moisturizer will alleviate the aid of suffers.
Treating Wrinkles
A good moisturizer can always help prevent aging and wrinkling. Dry skin is always tighter and makes skin look worn and aged. Using vitamin E as a moisturizer works in the same way many other moisturizers would prevent aging.
Get the best results by combining with a quality sunscreen and avoid going out in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Your skin should look fresh and revitalized in within a few weeks.
Where Do I Get Vitamin E?
Now you have looked at vitamin E benefits, you can visit a local health shop or search online for retailers.
Even if you think you are taking in enough from food, it can help to have supplements on hand. This ensures you get enough Vitamin E any time your diet slips, or if you need extra vitamins during pregnancy.
Did you enjoy this article? Broke and Chic has a host of lifestyle and dietary advice that can help you increase your vitamin intake through healthy, balanced food choices.
Visit our blog today to begin a change that will keep you refreshed, alert, and always looking chic!
