by Melissa Chichester
If you guessed Vitamin E, you guessed correctly! With four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, alpha-tocopherol is the main form of Vitamin E found in the body. Tocopherols are also used in many food and pet products as preservatives that help extend shelf life. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble micronutrient that can be stored by the body and is easy to consume through the diet because it is widely available.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and a nutrient that was discovered in 1922 by Herbert McLean Evans and Katharine Scott Bishop. It wasn’t until 1935 that it was isolated by Evans and Gladys Anderson Emerson, and in 1938 its structure was recognized. Because it was discovered as being essential for fertilized eggs to promote live births in a study done on rats, it was given the name “tocopherol” which is Greek for “to bear or carry.” Deficiency is rare in humans, but individuals with conditions that inhibit fat-soluble vitamin absorption are at a higher risk.
Many foods are rich in Vitamin E, including the following:
Vitamin E is well-known as a potent antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body.* Free radicals from the environment and food can contribute to premature aging of cells. In addition, Vitamin E supports immune function and plays a role in maintaining overall good health.*
Besides the numerous health benefits Vitamin E provides, it also plays a role in taking care of skin, hair, and other parts of the body as a common ingredient found in cosmetics. Here are some of the ways Vitamin E goes beyond supporting the inside and promotes a radiant outside.
Before using Vitamin E on the skin, always do a patch test first, especially if your skin is sensitive.
