Secret health benefits of Vitamin E for hair care, dry skin, healing wounds and more

Best sources of Vitamin E: Rich sources of vitamin E include sunflower and soya bean oil, almonds, peanuts, spinach, pumpkin and red bell pepper (Image: Canva)

Vitamin E, also known as the 'beauty vitamin', is a fat-soluble compound and exists in the alpha-tocopherol form in the body. It is a crucial component of the antioxidant defence system of the body.

Also read: Who should take vitamin supplements?

Free radicals and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can cause damage to the cells and be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. Free radicals may enter the body via environmental exposure to cigarette smoking, air pollution and ultraviolet radiation.

The antioxidant action of vitamin E halts the production of reactive oxygen species when fat undergoes oxidation. Not only that, this vitamin is also involved in the body's immune function. It increases the release of prostaglandins, which leads to dilatation of the blood vessels.

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The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E in males and females above the age group of 14 is 22 international units or 15 mg daily. Lactating mothers may need a bit more vitamin E (approximately 19 mg).

Rich sources of vitamin E include sunflower and soya bean oil, almonds, peanuts, spinach, pumpkin and red bell pepper. Asparagus, mangoes, eggs, meat and avocados have also been known to contain adequate quantities of the beauty vitamin.

Also read: What you eat will show on your skin. Here's why you must include Vitamin A, D, E, B3 and B5 in your diet

Though deficiency is rare, some people with digestive disorders can develop symptoms like impaired vision due to damage to the retina, peripheral neuropathy causing weakness and pain in the extremities, loss of control of body movements and reduced immunity.

Here are some of  the benefits of Vitamin E:

Reduces oxidative stress: When the body experiences an imbalance between the antioxidant defences and the production of reactive oxygen species, it can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of diseases. Research suggests that a combination of vitamin E and C can help reduce oxidative stress in women with endometriosis.

Use it on dry skin: If you have dry, flaky skin, you can apply vitamin E oil, as it helps in enhancing moisture, making the skin soft and supple. Most cosmetics these days contain vitamin E. However,  people with oily or acne-prone skin need not use vitamin E oils, as oily skin naturally produces more sebum. Adding vitamin E oil on top of it may lead to excess oiliness and potentially clogged pores. This can exacerbate acne problems.

For healing wounds: Zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E have been used as oral therapies for ulcers and burns. This mineral-vitamin combination enhances the antioxidant effects and reduces oxidative stress. This aids in swift recovery.

Helps prevent diseases: Some studies suggest that vitamin E can help prevent and delay coronary heart disease. It may also postpone cancer, ageing, arthritis and cataracts.

For Hair care: The beauty vitamin helps in promoting healthy hair and aid in maintaining hair growth. It could also reduce breakage and assist in dealing with hair loss problems. Some people have used vitamin E oils to restore shine and safeguard the scalp's skin from dryness.

Potential risks and side-effects:

It's essential to remain vigilant, particularly if you have sensitive skin. For some people, the application of vitamin E products may trigger skin irritation or allergies, manifesting as redness, itching, or swelling. Consider conducting a patch test before applying vitamin E oil or creams to a larger area to gauge how your skin reacts. If any adverse reactions become apparent, it's wise to discontinue use and seek the expertise of a dermatologist promptly.