Vitamin E & Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in America and claimed 445,687 deaths in 2005. Fortunately, heart disease is usually preventable through a healthy diet rich in plant foods and exercise. Vitamin E and its antioxidant effects can also help prevent and treat heart disease.

Vitamin E

• Research published in the December 2004 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that vitamin E, which is most commonly known for its skin benefits such as lessening the effect of scars and protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays, can also protect cells from free radical damage, helps cells to communicate effectively and protects individuals from prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Heart Disease

• Heart disease is a collective term referring to all diseases associated with the heart, veins or arteries including heart attacks and strokes. Coronary heart disease, the most common form of heart disease, is caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels due to atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty plaque in the blood vessels that constricts blood flow and can lead to a stroke.

Prevention/Solution

• Since vitamin E hinders the buildup of plaque, it can be used to prevent or treat atherosclerosis. In 1993, researchers from the Nurses' Health Study concluded there was a 40 percent reduced risk of heart disease in individuals who took vitamin E supplements. The study was published in the 1993 New England Journal of Medicine. Shortly thereafter another study, called the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which was also published in the 1993 New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that there is significant association between increased consumption of vitamin E and a lower risk of heart disease.

Antioxidants

• Under its Evidence-based Practice Program, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) determined that vitamins C and E work together in the body to create an antioxidant effect. Antioxidants protect cells in the body from lipoprotein oxidation and atherosclerosis, which cause heart disease and stroke. Therefore, eating foods rich in vitamins E and E can help lower your risk for heart disease.

Foods Containing Vitamin E

• Leafy green vegetables such as mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, chard, kale, spinach and parsley are excellent sources of vitamin E. Sunflower seeds, almonds, papayas, olives, bell peppers, kiwifruits, tomatoes, blueberries and broccoli are also good sources of vitamin E.