From boosting immunity to supporting muscle health, there are several reasons why one should include Vitamin E in their diet, says Ritu Khaneja
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Our body stores and uses it as needed. Vitamin E in food is found in vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, seeds, cereals and leafy greens. People usually get enough vitamin E from the foods they eat. People with certain disorders may need extra Vitamin E from supplements. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, it plays an important role in the immune system building and metabolic processes.
Here are seven reasons to add Vitamin E in your daily diet
Boosts immune system
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which protects cells from oxidative damage when cells are exposed to free radicals. It slows down the ageing process of your cells. It helps people with higher environmental lifestyle risk factors to fight against infections by boosting the immune system.
Enhances muscle health
Vitamin E plays a very important role in preparing and growing muscle tissue. After exercising, the cells and tissues become torn and it helps to restore them quickly and build them up stronger.
Keeps heart healthy
Getting more Vitamin E into the diet from healthy foods helps to protect the heart muscle from cramping and blood clotting. People who have cardiovascular problems are usually advised to have more of a Vitamin E rich diet as well as a supplement.
Supports eye health
If you suffer from eye problems then taking Vitamin E daily can help to prevent further damage. It supports the health of the small muscles surrounding the retina and protects it against damage from high blood sugar regimen and also protects the eye from free radical damage.
Maintains hair growth
As Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant, it also helps to maintain healthy hair growth. This can lower the risk of thinning hair as we get older by reducing oxidative stress and damage to the hair follicles.
Protects nerve health & hormonal health
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient, it helps to protect the cover of the body’s nerve endings called the myelin sheath. Hormones in the body are made using fat and cholesterol as their raw material. Being an antioxidant and fat-soluble nutrient, it also protects exposures from free radical damage especially during menopause, Pms and stressful times.
Maintains healthy skin
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps you in giving healthy skin as it repairs the skin damage caused due to exposure to air pollution and ultraviolet rays of the sun.
To conclude, Vitamin E is sensitive to heat so it must be consumed from raw and uncooked foods to protect its nutritional value. Add Vitamin E to your daily diet to attain its health benefits.
The writer is Dietitian & Therapeutic Nutritionist and Founder, RightkCalories