Vitamin E is the name for a body of fat-soluble (meaning it is absorbed through and stored in the body fat to be used as the body needs it) vitamins that women require 3 milligrams of and men require 4 milligrams of each day.
Vitamin E is used to treat various ailments ranging from heart disease to the hardening of blood vessels and arteries to certain cancers.
1. Vitamin E Protects Cell Membranes
One of the most important functions of vitamin E in the body is protecting cells from becoming oxidized. When oxygen within the body becomes metabolized, it results in the creation of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that steal electrons from other molecules and this process inflicts damage on cellular membranes.
Vitamin E has powerful antioxidative properties that neutralizes free radicals by giving its own electrons to the electron lacking free radical molecule which limits the destruction done to cell membranes.
A study on the antioxidative effects of vitamin E on acetone induced oxidative stress on red blood cell membranes was carried out on male rats and found that vitamin E does in fact protect red cell membranes from damage
2. Vitamin E Eases Premenstrual Symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome is any of a wide range of symptoms felt by a woman in the days before her menstruation begins. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include;
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Acne
- Pain in muscles or joints
- Food cravings or a change in appetite
- Feeling fatigued
- Disrupted sleep
- Backache and or headache
- Stomach issues including constipation, bloating and diarrhea
Vitamin E (specifically the gamma tocopherol found in vitamin E) limits prostaglandin production which can ease breast tenderness and cramping.
Vitamin E is often suggested for women who suffer from low levels of oestrogen and it also increases the flow of blood to the uterus as well as acting as anti inflammatory for an inflamed uterine lining.