E for Efficacy by E-vitamin

So, the letter of the day is E and what better nutrient, to discover than E- vitamin. As a multifaceted class of substances, E-vitamin is a collective word for a group of 8 molecules including 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols.  E-vitamin is potent in performing a number of bodily functions along other antioxidants.

Functions of E-vitamin

The most popular function of E-vitamin is its antioxidant activity.  Together with C-vitamin, E-vitamin protects against cardiovascular diseases. Other functions of E-vitamin include but are not limited to…  

-         Strengthening the immune system

-         Energy production

-         Control of enzymes activity

-         Control of gene expression

-         Production of red blood cells

-         Brain function

-         Skin cell repair

Food sources of E-vitamin

E-vitamin is fat soluble and will therefore be found in foods with naturally high amounts of fats (not to be confused with processed, greasy food). Consequently, E-vitamin will be found in vegetable oils (eg: corn and canola), green leafy vegetables/fruits (eg: avocado, spinach, turnips, etc), nuts and seeds, meat, poultry, and fortified cereals.  Always choose fresh foods over processed ones to ensure that the nutritional content is adequate.

Sources
NIH: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002406.htm

NIH: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/  

Photo credit: Healthy Protocols
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