Vitamin E

Image via WikipediaVitamin E is a potent antioxidant which was discovered about 80 years ago. Rich sources of vitamin E include the following: wheat germ, almonds, peanuts, vegetable oils (such as safflower, corn, soybeans), green leafy vegetables and walnuts and many others. You can also take vitamin E supplements of 400 IU per day.

Vitamin E is stored in the body’s fatty tissues where it will release its antioxidant powers and protect the cells by deactivating free radials. It also aids in the formation of red blood cells and eases the use of trace mineral selenium and vitamins A and K. Vitamin E actually pertains to a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Most E products contain only tocopherols such as alpha, beta, delta and gamma-tocopherols with alpha-tocopherol considered as the most potent form. Recently though researchers have identified tocotrienols that promotes healthy heart.

There is a number of health benefits one can derived with taking vitamin E supplements. Among these include:

Ø It prevents heart disease and other complications associated with heart disease. Vitamin E seems to prevent oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol which is the initial stage in the development of atherosclerosis which is buildup of plague in the arteries impeding normal circulation. As of the moment, no correlation between vitamin E and heart disease prevention have been satisfactorily established.
Ø It protects against prostate and other cancers. Due to its antioxidant properties, E vitamin protects cell membranes from the effects of free radicals which are results to cancer. But this effect could not be verified yet.
Ø It prevents cataracts and macular degeneration. Studies indicate that E vitamin can protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.
Ø It slows down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia due to its antioxidant properties.
Ø It slows down the aging process and enhances immunity by protecting cells from free radical damage.
Ø It promotes healing of burns, eczema and other skin problems.

Vitamin E comes in the following formulations: tablet, softgel, oil, liquid, cream and capsule. The recommended intake of E vitamin is 15 mg or equivalent to more or less 23 IU per day. Vitamin E deficiency can cause neurological damage. This rarely happens however because it often occur in people that impedes fat absorption since Vitamin E is fat-soluble vitamin. It is quite easy to obtain vitamin E with well-balanced diet and a minimum intake of polyunsaturated fat. For those who took excessive amounts of vitamin E at 1,000 IU a day may experience diarrhea and headaches. Doses beyond 800 IU a day of vitamin E may impede with the ability to clot blood causing risk to people taking blood thinners medicine. (anticoagulants). Taking high dosage of E vitamin will interfere with the absorption of vitamin A.

In most people, supplement dosage of 400 IU or less of vitamin E is enough since high doses pose risks. Vitamin E is effective when taken with vitamin C because the latter promotes absorption. Vitamin E products marked ‘mixed tocopherols’ are absorbed well.
For general health, take 200-400 IU daily. To prevent heart disease, take up to 800 IU daily. To prevent cancer, take up to 800 IU daily. In order to maximize its benefits, take vitamin E at the same time daily. Take this fat-soluble vitamin E with food that contains fat.

Vitamin E’s has mild blood-thinning effect which could cause problems when taken with another anticoagulant or blood-thinning supplement such as ginkgo biloba. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.

Ginkgo Biloba

Image via WikipediaGinkgo is one of the oldest tree species that are alive and the leaves are one of the most studied leaves in clinical settings today. Ginkgo Biloba is an herbal form of medicine and in Europe and The United States is one of the biggest sellers. Many traditional medicines contain Ginkgo and are used for enhancing memory and to treat circulatory disorders. Scientific studies all support and validate these claims. Newer evidence shows that Ginkgo might very well be effective in treating decreased blood flow to the brain, especially in the elderly. There are two types of chemicals in Ginkgo leaves, flavonoids and terpenoids, which are thought to have very strong antioxidant properties resulting in aiding those who have Alzheimer's disease.

While the Ginkgo plant is still in tree form, it produces fruit that is not edible; inside of the fruit are seeds that are poisonous to humans. Most of the studies that are currently being conducted on Ginkgo are being done on the leaves of the Ginkgo (GBE). Although many components of the Ginkgo tree have been studied only two have been directly related to the big success of Ginkgo, as mentioned above. This is why Ginkgo is showing a much more structured relationship with treatment of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Because Ginkgo is so effective in improving blood flow to the brain and because of its antioxidant properties, the evidence that Ginkgo can help these patients is extremely promising.

It is suggested that Ginkgo truly can improve cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, and memory, improve activities of daily living and social behavior, and lessen the feelings of depression. Further studies are showing that the flavonoids can also help with retinal problems, people with circulatory problems in their legs, memory impairment, and tinnitus. Many doctors are recommending Ginkgo for treatment or discomfort associated with altitude sickness, asthma, depression, disorientation, headaches, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and vertigo.

Ginkgo may also reduce the side effects of menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. The option of Ginkgo has a lot more appeal these days then the options of prescription medication which has unpleasant side effects. Children under the age of 12 should not use Ginkgo and in adults it usually takes about 4-6 weeks before you will see any significant results. There has been a relationship developing between Ginkgo as an anti aging aid since it is such a powerful antioxidant that wards off the free radials.

It is very common and becoming even more so for healthy people to include Ginkgo as an herbal supplement on a daily basis for better concentration and enhanced memory. People claim that in general they feel that Ginkgo reduces any mental fatigue that daily life has a tendency to bring forth. Many men are taking Ginkgo to improve impotence as well as increase fertility. The Chinese have used Ginkgo Biloba for many years and have found great success with it so it seems that they might be on to something here because this herbal remedy looks like it going to be around for a very long time.