Vitamin E Prevent Stroke and Heart Attack

VITAMIN E is one of eight vitamins anti-oxidants that can break down fats. Alpha-tocopherol is the content that is most important in vitamin E for humans. Alpha-tocopherol protects LDL cholesterol in the blood and the body's cell membranes from oxidation by free radicals. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is believed to play a role also in atheroclerosis arteries that can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Alpha-tocopherol also prevents blood clotting.

 Foods that are rich in alpha-tocopherol are green leafy vegetables, carrots, nuts, olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ (wheat germ), grains, and margarine made from vegetable oils. Meat, fruits, and milk contains little vitamin E.

Severe vitamin E deficiency can cause muscle weakness and damage the balance and coordination, and anemia. But never reported the occurrence of severe vitamin E deficiency in healthy adults. Severe vitamin E deficiency can occur in children and adults with mal-absorption of fat (ie, the conditions change so that their intestines can not absorb fats and vitamins A, D, E, and K which can break down fats). 

What are the benefits of vitamin E, medicinenet site gives info as follows: 

1. Oxidation of LDL cholesterol particles can lead to arteriosclerosis and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Although vitamin E can prevent heart attacks, but have not known the value of vitamin E in preventing heart attacks and strokes. There is still debate about the benefits of vitamin E in terms of its influence with a heart attack, because several studies have shown the benefits of vitamin E, but some other studies showed no benefit. 

2. Alzheimer disease is a degenerative brain disease with loss of mental capacity quickly, because of oxidation. In one study, high doses of alpha-tocopherol supplementation suggests slowing progression of Alzheimer disease. 

However, high doses of vitamin E can inhibit blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Vitamin E also can increase the blood thinning action of warfarin, Coumadin (an anti-coagulant used to prevent blood clotting) and increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking coumadin. Therefore, patients taking Coumadin, patients with vitamin K deficiency, and patients taking other drugs that inhibit platelet function (a flat disc, small in the blood that help blood clotting), should be taking vitamin E supplements under the supervision of a doctor . 

Who recommended vitamin E supplements? All adults are recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin E and take a multivitamin daily. Consult with your doctor if you want to get an extra supplement of vitamin E.