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Vitamin E
was the fifth vitamin discovered when researchers found that a dietary
deficiency in laboratory rats produced fetal death in pregnant females.
The name "tocopherol" was derived from the Greek words for
childbirth (tos), to bring forth (phero), and
the chemical designation for an alcohol (ol). Vitamin E
exerts an especially important antioxidant effect in the lungs where the
cells are exposed to high oxygen concentrations that can destroy molecules
in their membranes. Vitamin E acts
as a co-enzyme in cellular membranes and serves as a scavenger for free
radicals that are destructive to the membrane and internal cellular
components. Vitamin E may also help defend against heart disease. Normal
nerve development also depends on Vitamin E, and the vitamin protects the
white blood cells that defend the body against disease and may play other
roles in normal immunity. Although
vitamin E is stored in the body, overdoses appear to have lower toxic
effects than do overdoses of other fat-soluble vitamins. Natural sources
of vitamin E are vegetable oils, sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanuts.
Recommended Dietary Allowances: Men = 40 IU; Women
= 30 IU; Pregnant or Nursing Women = 15 IU (10 mg)
IMPORTANCE:
- Major anti-oxidant nutrient
- retards cellular aging due to oxidation
- supplies oxygen to the blood which is then carried to
the heart and other organs thus alleviating fatigue
- aids in bringing nourishment to cells
- strengthens the capillary walls & prevents the
red blood cells from destructive poisons
- prevents & dissolves blood clots
- has also been used by doctors in helping prevent
sterility, muscular dystrophy, calcium deposits in blood walls and
heart conditions.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
- rupture of red blood cells
- loss of reproductive powers
- lack of sexual vitality
- abnormal fat deposits in muscles
- degenerative changes in the changes in the heart and
other muscles
- dry skin.

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