blogbackup

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Vitamin E: Tochopherol

Vitamin E (along with A, D and K) is a fat-soluble vitamin; that means that there must be some fat in your food for this vitamin to be absorbed. Vitamin E coats each and every cell membrane..

 
Functions
Vitamin E:
  •  Is an antioxidant
  •  Protects cell membranes
  •  Lowers cholesterol
  •  Protects against heart disease
  •  Improves fertility
  •  Aids with the absorption of Vitamin K
Sources of Vitamin E:
  •  Flax seed oil
  •  Grape seed oil
  •  Green leafy vegetables
  •  Whole grains
  •  Nuts
  •  Avocado
  •  Egg yolk

 Deficiency symptoms:
  •  Cold hands and feet
  •  Easy bruising
  •  Slow wound healing
  •  Loss of muscle tone
  •  Slow reflexes

 (Of course these symptoms may result from something other than Vit.E deficiency. Don't immediately reach for a supplement! Always check with your doctor before taking supplements of any kind. An excess of any vitamin can have unpleasant side effects.)

 

No comments: