Healthy Lifestyle

Definition
Also called tocopherol, fat-soluble vitamin essential for the organism is an antioxidant that helps protect the fatty acids. That takes care of the body of the formation of toxic molecules resulting from normal metabolism as entered by the airway or mouth. Prevents abnormal destruction of red blood cells, prevents eye disorders, anemia and heart attacks.

It is mainly found in egg yolk, vegetable oils germ (soybean, peanut, rice, cotton and coconut). Green leafy vegetables, cereals and breads.

There are common excesses or defects of this vitamin in the body if their consumption tends to be proportional to that of fatty acids. Since its presence removes toxins, helps remove body paid by smokers.

Extended Definition
This fat-soluble vitamin belonging to the group comes in 8 different forms called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each form has its own biological activity. The most effective form of vitamin E is alpha tocopherol.
The absorption of vitamin E is relatively poor, only about 20% to 40% of intake is absorbed. The absorption depends on the ability to digest and absorb lipids.
Both bile and pancreatic enzymes are essential for absorption. Slowly deposited in the liver, muscle and mainly in adipose tissue. Vitamin E is not destroyed by cooking. Its destruction is fueled with polyunsaturated fat, exposure to light, fried and with oxygen.
Vitamin E is usually sold as extras in the form of alpha tocopherol acetate. The synthetic form has half the activity compared with the natural form.

Functions

* Antioxidant: Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that reacts with lipid-soluble free radicals in the cell membrane. This maintains the integrity of it by protecting the cells in the presence of toxic compounds, heavy metals (silver, mercury, lead), drugs and radiation. The toxicity of these foreign substances is given by the free radicals that are generated during the detoxification (detox) in the body.
* Immune system: has an important role in maintaining healthy immune system, especially during oxidative stress and chronic viral diseases. Induces cell proliferation and increases defense cellular response to damage or infection.
* Oxidative Stress: Oxygen can sometimes be harmful because it acts on the molecules of the body making them very reactive. When these molecules become so reactive start damaging the cell structures around it. The cells do not use all the oxygen that enters them but a small portion of that oxygen will be converted into harmful chemical forms called free radicals are very unstable and react with nearby cells causing great damage, altering its function, aging and destroying them. It is caused by an imbalance between production of free radicals and the body’s ability to remove excess. His knowledge is the foundation of all antioxidant therapies, including ozone therapy.
* Vision: it is believed that vitamin E and other antioxidants may prevent or delay cataract formation. Even more studies are needed to verify the participation of vitamin E on this point.
* Aging: It protects the body against the effects of aging by scavenging free radicals that cause degeneration of tissues like skin and blood vessels. It also protects against the mental effects of aging such as memory loss.
* Nervous system: Vitamin E is essential in maintaining the integrity and stability of the axonal membrane (membrane of neurons).
* Cardiovascular system prevents the formation of thrombi that are difficult circulation in blood vessels. For they avoid or decrease your risk of myocardial infarction, angina or stroke. Prevents the appearance of leg cramps in those with poor circulation. Vitamin E may prevent or delay heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol.
* Healing: Vitamin E is important in the formation of elastic fibers and collagen tissue. Promotes healing of burns.
* Protection against the destruction of vitamin A, selenium, fatty acids and vitamin C.
* Protection against anemia.
* Fertility and reproductive system: Some animal studies indicated that vitamin E is essential for normal reproduction in several mammalian species. Based on these animal studies, vitamin E has been used clinically to treat recurrent abortion and infertility in both sexes. This has also been used in toxemia of pregnancy, menstrual disorders, vaginitis and menopausal symptoms. Still, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate all the benefits in the above-mentioned disorders
* Cancer: There is some evidence that vitamin E protects against cancer, although studies have failed to demonstrate the efficacy of vitamin E in this regard. It is believed that vitamin E helps protect cell membranes from damage produced by free radicals, which can lead to the development of chronic diseases like cancer.