Pocket Healers: Vitamin E

"Pocket Healers" is a series of 12 pocket-sized paperbacks, each taking a popular herbal or vitamin supplement and detailing its healing properties. There is advice on recommended dosages for specific conditions and remedies you can make at home.

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Vitamin E is one of the most popular supplements. It is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant responsible for protecting the fatty parts of the body's cells from attack by free radicals. In excess - from sources such as cigarette smoke air pollutants or UV light for example - free radiacals can cause damage to cells that may eventually lead to diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Vitamin E also protects the heart by preventing cholesterol from assuming its "oxidized" or artery-clogging form. Additionally the vitamin is needed to protect red blood cells and for the repair and renewal of tissues - hence its role in wound healing muscle conditions and joint diseases.