Vitamin E the Sex Vitamin

According to Wikipedia, Vitamin E is the collective name for a set of eight related tocopherols and tocotrienols, which are fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant properties. Of these, ?-tocopherol (alpha tocopherol) has been most studied as it has the highest bioavailability, with the body preferentially absorbing and using this form. It works better hand in hand with Selenium which I’ve discussed earlier. And both works on helping your body deal with the free radicals which is the culprit of cellular damage that leads to cancer.

Today, Vitamin E is well-known in fighting heart diseases and cancer. Multiple studies involving daily supplementation of Vitamin E proved that it is capable of lessening and even totally preventing the advent of heart diseases and heart attacks. Also, Researchers in another study found that among male smokers who took 50 to 75 IU (international units) a day of vitamin E, the incidence of prostate cancer was reduced by about one-third. There were 41 percent fewer deaths from prostate cancer among the men who took vitamin E as opposed to those who didn’t. A research in Tufts University also found out that Vitamin E is a powerful anti-aging agent because it could reverse age-related declines in immune function.

Here is the list of conditions and diseases that Vitamin E can help in: Heart disease, angina, cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, emphysema, high cholesterol, fibrocystic breast condition intermittent claudication, infertility, impotence, genital herpes, bedsores, leg cramps, muscle soreness, phlebitis, menopausal discomforts, HIV, osteoarthritis, and chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Regarding sex, Vitamin E plays an important role in the production of sex hormones. It protects them from oxidation and degradation. Low vitamin E levels can cause a decline in the formation of key sex hormones and enzymes responsible for sperm production and ovarian health. Vitamin E also shows a protective effect on sperm cell membranes. Supplementation with Vitamin E can also aid in improving sperm motility.

The decline in sexual libido for women can sometimes be attributed to the drop in levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Several studies have shown that Vitamin E possesses estrogenic, androgenic and progesterone-like properties which can help in combating this hormonal change. Thus, this vitamin can assist in easing hormonal imbalances, hot flashes, low libido and even combating vaginal changes.

Besides supplements there are natural dietary sources of Vitamin E. Particularly high levels of vitamin E can be found in the following foods:

• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Nuts
• Olives
• Red Palm Oil
• Seeds
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
• Vegetable oils -- corn, sunflower, soybean, cottonseed
• Wheat germ

When taking Vitamin E supplements, it’s always worth discussing it with your doctor, and of course, you’ll want to ask about risks. There have been recent incidents of elevated hemorrhagic problems linked with high dosage of Vitamin E. Also, there has been a conducted research that links Vitamin E to tuberculosis.

Regarding the right form of Vitamin E to take, researchers said that Natural Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is better than the synthetic ones (dl-alpha tocopherol) because they are known to be retained in our body two times better than the latter. Natural Vitamin E can be found in natural foods, of course, and in supplements also. That is why it is always best to read the ingredients of your supplements or multivitamins before buying.


Related Articles:

Wikipedia – Vitamin E
Nature’s Medicines Vitamin E
What Form of Vitamin E is Best?
Vitamin E RDA
CNN - Study: Vitamin E reduces prostate cancer risk, deaths
One Form of Vitamin E Appears Beneficial In Reducing Bladder Cancer Risk



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