Vitamins play a very important role in the overall development of our body and help all the systems in our body function smoothly. But as much as vitamins are important for our overall health, they are also great for enhancing the quality of hair and skin. The ETV Bharat Sukhibhava spoke to Dr. Latika Joshi, Senior Pediatrician, about the role of Vitamin E in the development and maintenance of health as well as enhancing beauty.
Benefits Of Vitamin E
Dr. Joshi states that vitamin E, which is essential for the growth of the body, has antioxidative properties, which help protect cells from the free radicals in the body. It also helps in strengthening the immune system, in order to protect the body from infections and other illnesses. Vitamin E also plays an important role in the production of hormones in the body that is responsible for controlling a variety of physiological processes, such as blood pressure and muscle contraction.
Besides this, it works to repair muscles and resolve digestion-related problems. It also helps in reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer. Vitamin E is also helpful in producing red blood cells in the body. During pregnancy, doctors advise women to take vitamin E, so that the child can be protected from anemia.
How Much Does Our Body Require Every Day?
According to the National Institutes of Health, children over the age of 14 and adults need 15 mg of vitamin E per day. On the other hand, lactating women need 19 mg per day, and babies under 6 months of age need 4 mg of vitamin E.
Based on the age of the children, 5 mg for 6 months to a 1-year-old child, 6 mg for 1 to a 3-year-old child, 7 mg for 4 to 8 year old and 9 to 13-year-old child needs 11 mg of vitamin E per day.
What Happens If You Are Vitamin E Deficient?
- The immune system is affected
- Body parts are unable to function smoothly
- Muscles get weak
- Eye problems such as lowered vision or flicker in the vision
- Having weakness
- Infertility
- Digestive issues
- Excessive hair loss
- Skin-related problems
- Decreased blood circulation and anemia
- Cholesterol problems
- Being prone to mental disorders
Vitamin E For Skin, Nails And Hair
The use of Vitamin E is considered very effective for our skin, nails and hair. Not only consuming it but applying it on the hair and skin reduces the effect of aging, as well as hyperpigmentation on the skin, is reduced. Therefore, if you use it regularly, you are likely to look young for a longer time. Also, vitamin E oil works as a moisturizer on dry skin.
How To Use?
- Vitamin E oil is very effective as a cleanser. Applying a few drops of Vitamin E oil on the face and massaging it with light hands, makes the skin clean and soft, as well as removes all the dirt from the open pores in the skin.
- It is also good for dark circles. For this, before sleeping at night, massage vitamin E oil under the eyes with light hands.
- Vitamin E oil can also be used to get rid of weak and dry nails.
- A light massage of Vitamin E oil on the skin before sleeping at night is very beneficial. It can be applied directly on the skin or, you can mix it with aloe vera gel, massage it all over the face and then wash it off for better results.
- To lighten the scars on the skin, directly apply the vitamin E oil from the capsules. It increases collagen production and lightens the spots.
- Doing household chores can leave your hands dry. Thus, a light massage of the hands with vitamin E oil can bring back moisture.
- Extract the oil from the vitamin E capsule and mix it with a little honey. Massage it on the skin, but remember to do it before you sleep at night.
Foods Rich In Vitamin E
Since our body does not produce vitamins, we have to depend on foods to acquire it. Dr. Latika Joshi says that it is better to fulfill your vitamin and other nutritional needs through natural resources, rather than taking supplements. Therefore, consume foods that are a good source of vitamin E. for this, you can consider having soybean oil, almonds, peanuts, avocados, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and other nuts, eggs, sweet potatoes, spinach, mustard, turnip, broccoli, cod liver oil, mango, papaya, pumpkin, popcorn, etc.
Also read: 6 Best Food Sources Of Vitamin D
