Rheumatism, arteriosclerosis and cancer – these different diseases have one thing in common: they are co-caused by aggressive oxygen molecules, so-called free radicals. They damage vital proteins and lipids and promote the aging process. They are formed, among other things, by the metabolic processes taking place in the body.
Protective mechanism: the body’s own radical scavengers.
The healthy body comes up with its own protective mechanisms against the radical oxygen molecules. As a rule, these are rendered harmless in the cell by the body’s own radical scavengers. However, if the body is exposed to permanent stress or chronic diseases, it needs help from the outside – for example, in the form of vitamins.
Antioxidants
Some vitamins are known to intercept free radicals in the human body and render them harmless. In addition to vitamins A and C, vitamin E (tocopherol) belongs to this group of so-called antioxidants. Since it is not formed by humans themselves, it must be supplied through food.
Food with vitamin E
The following foods are particularly rich in vitamin E:
- Vegetable oils such as wheat germ, sunflower or corn germ oil.
- Nuts
- Whole grains
- Legumes
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily vitamin E intake of 12 milligrams for healthy adults. This corresponds to 18 International Units (IU). Through food, we usually consume enough vitamin E to meet the need, so that deficiencies are rare in healthy individuals.
Vitamin E deficiency: risk groups
However, vitamin E deficiency can occur in people with diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, liver or biliary disease, and those who suffer from prolonged, “free-radical” stress. People with these diseases, as well as pregnant women, have an increased need. To counteract disease, some scientists advise taking higher daily doses of the cell-protecting vitamin E. Such high doses cannot be obtained from food alone. Taking a high-dose vitamin E supplement is recommended.
Vitamin E deficiency in rheumatism
In rheumatic conditions such as chronic polyarthritis, there is an increase in free radicals and a deficiency of vitamin E due to the inflammatory processes. Supplemental vitamin E intake may be useful therapeutically. Scientific studies show that high-dose (up to 800 IU daily) vitamin E successfully relieves the pain of the inflammatory joint disease. It is often combined with conventional rheumatism medications.
Protection against arteriosclerosis and heart attack.
Among other things, free radicals play a role in the development of vascular calcification, known as arteriosclerosis. Cholesterol, which is LDL cholesterol, is involved in the formation of vascular deposits called plaques, which constrict blood vessels. Free radicals react with this form of cholesterol. The oxidized LDL cholesterol thus converted is deposited even more readily and attracts other cells from the blood into the plaques, which become larger and more dangerous. Antioxidant vitamins offer protection against this oxidation. A study of more than 2,000 patients with heart disease showed that regular intake of higher doses of vitamin E counteracts the progression of arteriosclerosis and prevents its consequence, a heart attack. Similar results were obtained in a study of 87,000 healthy women. After the study period of eight years, it was shown that the subjects who regularly took vitamin E were less likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD). Narrowed coronary arteries due to atherosclerotic plaques are possible causes of conorary heart disease.
Beautiful skin with vitamin E
Many skin care products such as creams and lotions contain vitamin E. For a long time, people doubted whether this was useful. Today, it is suspected that vitamin E is absorbed by the skin, where it exerts its protective effect on cell membranes. The elasticity of the skin should be improved and the aging process stopped.
The fitter among the vitamins
Jogging, cycling, swimming – sports make you fit and keep the body healthy. Athletes reduce stress and prevent cardiovascular diseases.But especially during sports, free radicals are produced that damage the body – not only in high-performance sports, but already in recreational and amateur athletes. This is where the radical killer vitamin E comes into play and “defuses” the oxygen radicals produced during sports. Vitamin E makes sport what it should be: healthy for body and mind!
