Heart Healthy Vitamin E

Vitamin E is perhaps one of the most important vitamins when it comes to supporting a healthy heart. Many recent studies have shown that patients who take vitamin E supplements have a significant drop in risk for heart disease. In some cases, this risk was actually decreased by about 40 percent. Vitamin E is considered a fat-soluble antioxidant, and it helps to promote good cholesterol levels, known as HDLs, in the bloodstream. It also inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is the bad form of cholesterol. This can help to prevent clogged arteries, heart attack and stroke.
Many foods contain large amounts of vitamin E naturally. These foods include most types of nuts, green leafy vegetables like spinach, and whole grains. A diet rich in these types of foods will help to ensure that there is sufficient vitamin E in the body. Of course, supplements are also another option and many doctors recommend this in support of a healthy heart and a well functioning cardiovascular system. If a person does not receive enough vitamin E, there can be serious health related consequences. Some of these include anemia, muscle weakness and liver damage.
Some doctors recommend that most adults over the age of 40 increase their vitamin E intake with a nutritional supplement containing 400 IU or more of vitamin E. This can help prevent heart attacks and maintain good cholesterol levels, which can prevent the arteries from being blocked. Most people under the age of 40 should be able to get their vitamin E intake from foods and a multivitamin. Too much vitamin E can be dangerous since it can impair the ability of blood to clot, resulting in a risk of hemorrhage. Aspirin or other blood thinning medicines such as Warfarin can make the risk much higher, so its important to consult a physician before taking extra amounts of vitamin E.
Another benefit of vitamin E is that it promotes healthy skin and hair. There are many cosmetics and hair products that actually contain the vitamin to help give skin a smooth appearance and make hair softer. Some people actually break open the vitamin E capsule itself and apply the oils directly to the skin. As with any supplement, talk to your doctor to determine what your current vitamin E levels are and what you can do to improve them. This important vitamin is essential to living a long and healthy life.