Form of Vitamin E Protects Brain Against Stroke

A natural form of vitamin E called alpha-tocotrienol can trigger the production of a protein in the brain that clears toxins from nerve cells, preventing those cells from dying after a stroke, according to new research appearing online in Stroke.

This natural substance, one of three mechanisms this form of vitamin E uses to protect brain cells after a stroke, may be more potent than drugs targeting single mechanisms for preventing stroke damage, according to Ohio State University scientists who have studied the nutrient for more than a decade.

These researchers previously reported that the tocotrienol form of vitamin E protects the brain after a stroke by blocking an enzyme from releasing toxic fatty acids and inhibiting the activity of a gene that can lead to neuron death.

Debunking myths on palm oil

Countless readers of The Hindu BusinessLine are once again being misled to believe that palm oil is detrimental to heart health. The publication ran an article by Balram Bhargava and Prabhkaran Dorairaj claiming, “Both past research and new evidence point to the ill effects on populations.” This statement is not just grossly inaccurate. It does an extreme disservice to the Indian population now experiencing an apparent uptick in cardiovascular disease.

Tocotrienols Contents in Palm Oil is changing the Story

Palm oil is jam-packed with tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E that has potent antioxidant properties and can support healthy brain function. This can have far-reaching benefits and may aid in everything from slowing dementia to enhancing cognition.

Boosting your brain function as you age

Research shows that tocotrienols protect against cardiovascular disease by decreasing artery stiffness, which occurs due to age and the accumulation of fatty plaques on our artery walls, and high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for many cardiovascular conditions.

The Palm Oil Miracle: Protect the Heart, Brain & Improves Skin and Hair Health

What to Know About Vitamin E Here’s why you should probably get more of this antioxidant – in your diet

“Vitamin E plays a role in monocyte production, which are large white blood cells that fight against viruses and harmful bacteria,” explains Julie Stefanski, a registered dietitian for Stefanski Nutrition Services in York, Pennsylvania, and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Vitamin E – An Antioxidant & Immunity Fat Soluble Vitamin

Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Vitamin E also plays a role in your immune system and metabolic processes. Good sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, seeds, and some leafy greens, but not all. Vitamin E is also added to foods like cereals. Most people get enough vitamin E from the foods they eat. People with certain disorders, such as liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease may need extra vitamin E.

Vitamin E – Fact Sheet for Consumers

The federal government’s 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that “Nutritional needs should be met primarily from foods. … Foods in nutrient-dense forms contain essential vitamins and minerals and also dietary fiber and other naturally occurring substances that may have positive health effects. In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements may be useful in providing one or more nutrients that otherwise may be consumed in less-than-recommended amounts.”

Vitamin E deficiency: The sign in your eye that could mean you are deficient

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and neutralises unstable molecules that can damage cells. If you are lacking in vitamin E a problem with your eyes could be an indicator. Do you have it?

Study finds vitamin E levels, physical activity, correlated with better cognitive performance in adolescents

Out of 120 school students analyzed by Saudi researchers, academic performance was higher for students classified as moderately or highly active physically. Serum levels of vitamin E were also higher in the more active students.