Vitamin E is a group of eight lipophilic molecules, four of which are tocopherols and four of which are tocotrienols. It is mostly found in nuts and various vegetable oils. γ-Tocopherol is the most abundant form of vitamin E in Western diet, while α tocopherol is the most abundant form of vitamin E in plasma, and is most biologically active.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that some believe may help prevent diseases associated with oxidative stress. Research and the clinical experiences of physician show beyond a doubt that vitamin E is good for the heart. The role of vitamin E as a heart protector has been building for decades.
Cardiovascular disease, defined as coronary artery disease, hypertensive heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and atherosclerosis including cerebral artery disease and strokes, is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Basic research has provided credible mechanisms by which vitamin E might exert cardiovascular benefit, including inhibition of oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in plasma.
It is hypothesized that antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamin E, may be beneficial in retarding atherosclerosis. Observational cohort studies have supported vitamin E supplementation in preventing cardiovascular disease. Experimentally, it has been shown that dietary vitamin E can ameliorate the development of spontaneous atherosclerosis in nutritional models of cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin E is good for heart
