Looking and Feeling Young with the Help of Vitamin E
Contrary to popular belief, there isn't just one form of vitamin E. In fact, there are at least eight forms that occur naturally in food. For maximum effect, nutritionists recommend taking supplements of two forms: d-gamma-tocopherol and d-alpha-tocopherol. But whichever form it takes, medical experts agree that this vitamin is essential to not only good health, but to looking and feeling great as well.
Vitamin E is one of the most important anti-oxidants that the body needs in order to fight off the negative effects of aging. Bad things called free radicals bombard the body everyday, impairing bodily functions and causing various diseases. This vitamin, along with other vitamins and minerals, work to help the body resist pathogens and other organisms and substances that attack the body and cause us to look older than our years. In fact, its reputation for helping a person look younger is so good that it's an essential ingredient in many skin and hair care products.
The vitamin protects the skin from free radicals and oxidation that ultraviolet light can cause. It also protects the skin from inflammation, a sure sign of cell damage. This is why many skin care creams and lotions contain this vitamin -- by protecting it from damage, it keeps the skin looking young and supple. When it comes to hair care, the vitamin plays an essential role in promoting blood circulation in the scalp, which provides an ideal environment for healthy hair to grow and thrive. In addition, it also contributes to the health and strength of the fingernails and toenails, and can help in improving acne.
But far from just cosmetic benefits, taking nutritional supplements of this vitamin can lead to more important health conditions as well. For instance, studies have shown that supplementation with the vitamin can inhibit the formation of cataracts, a common eye disorder among the elderly. It can improve male fertility since it helps keep sperm healthy. It affects the immune system positively, helping improve resistance to various diseases from the common cold to Parkinson's disease. Also, some clinical trials have also established that the vitamin plays a major role in decreasing prostate cancer and breast cancer, although some other studies give conflicting results.
Vitamin E is readily available in supplement form, but it is also found in foods like green leafy vegetables, some beans and grains, and cold-pressed vegetable oils. Whether applied topically or ingested, any person will benefit from its anti-oxidant properties and be on the way to better looking hair and skin, as well as overall good health.
