Additionally, vitamin E may reduce the tendency of platelets to coagulate and form blood clots, a major cause of heart attack and stroke. Some natural foods like wheat germ, sweet potatoes, and kale contain appreciable amounts of vitamin E, but the principal dietary sources are fatty foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. For this reason, supplements may be the preferred source. Taking 200 IU per day may be sufficient, but many people, including some cholesterol researchers, take 400 IU daily. It usually takes several weeks of daily supplementation to raise the blood level of vitamin E to an effective level.
Selenium is a mineral present in grains grown in certain areas.
To ensure an adequate intake, a daily supplement of 50 to 100 micrograms should be ample to maintain antioxidant benefits. Selenium and vitamin E work together as antioxidants. Since free radicals may also contribute to several types of cancer, as well as to other conditions such as cataracts, antioxidants may well be the nutrients of the future. If you want to promote cardiovascular health naturally, antioxidants should be part of your regular diet. Beef often contains a significant amount of methionine.