Vitamin E is available from some foods naturally, other foods are fortified with it and you can also find it in supplement form. The average person needs 15 mg per day, notes the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Most people get adequate amounts of this vitamin, which has many health benefits. Vitamin E is found in wheat germ, almonds, avocados and spinach.
Fights Disease
Vitamin E is an antioxidant -- a substance that fights free radical damage caused by toxins in your surroundings, smoking cigarettes and eating an unhealthy diet. Getting adequate amounts of this vitamin each day lowers your risk of heart disease and cancer. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements notes a study in which nurses who consumed the most vitamin E had a 30 to 40 percent lower incidence of heart disease. Vitamin E also reduces the risk of several types of cancer including bladder, prostrate and colon cancer. Deficiencies in vitamin E are rare and most people get what they need from food, but if you are at higher risk of certain health conditions, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.
Protects Your Vision
The antioxidant properties of vitamin E contribute to fighting and treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, notes that studies indicate that participants with higher intakes of vitamin E had a 20 percent lower chance of developing AMD than those with low intakes of the vitamin. There is also potential to treat cataracts or slow their progression with increased amounts of vitamin E, but research is still ongoing.
Brain Health
Vitamin E plays a role in keeping your brain health and functioning at optimal levels. Getting plenty of vitamin E from your diet and/or supplementation is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and other declines in cognition, reports the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. However, the results of several studies show conflicting evidence of this and more studies are ongoing to find more conclusive results. For this reason, it is important to discuss taking high amounts of vitamin E with your doctor to be sure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Maintains Healthy Skin
Vitamin E protects the cells of your skin from damage and regulates retinol in your skin, which is important for fighting oxidation and the damage it can cause, according to the Acne Resource Center. People who suffer from acne often notice an improvement with an increase in vitamin E intake. Vitamin E is also available in topical treatments, which can help reduce the symptoms and discomfort of skin conditions including acne. It can also help reduce the appearance of scars and contributes to healthy hair and nails.
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