What You Need to Know About Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects body tissues from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals result from normal bodily functions and from exposure to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and sunlight. They cause damage to the cells in the body.
Free radicals contribute to the development of cancer, heart disease and other health problems.
Vitamin E is indispensable to good health. Every cell in the body needs vitamin E, but it is especially important in protecting blood cells, the nervous system, skeletal muscle and the retinas in your eyes from damage. Much remains unknown about the benefits of vitamin E but current research has shown that along with other antioxidants such as vitamin C and selenium, vitamin E may help lower the risk of heart disease, strokes, cataracts and diabetes. Other benefits of vitamin E include slowing the oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol, preventing blood clot formation, enhancing the immune system and benefiting the nervous system. Vitamin E requirements differ with age, gender and health status.