Healthy Aging with a Diet Rich in Vitamin E
Healthy Aging with a Diet Rich in Vitamin E
While healthful eating is important regardless of life stage, eating well is increasingly important for older adults. Wise food choices and a balanced diet are key elements to a healthy lifestyle. Adults tend to eat less as they age and may have conditions such as arthritis or difficulty chewing that prevent them from preparing and enjoying foods they used to enjoy regularly. As a result, it is important to make calories count. Eating nutrient-dense foods is essential -- metabolism may be slowing down, but the body's requirements for vitamins and minerals do not! In fact, there may be increased need for certain vitamins.
Researchers continue to find evidence linking a healthful diet to the prevention of disease. Recent studies show that eating well may help reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, and even Alzheimer's disease. With the number of cases of Alzheimer's in the U.S. expected to triple by 2050, the relationship between lifelong healthy eating habits and health becomes important. In fact, recent studies suggest that vitamin-rich foods may be more beneficial than vitamin supplements.
Vitamin E Basics: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and important antioxidant that helps protect cells from everyday damage. For instance, it boosts the immune system and may reduce the risk of cataracts. Vitamin E is also vital for healthy skin and hair. Foods naturally rich in vitamin E include nuts, such as almonds, vegetable oils, seeds, wheat germ, spinach and other dark, green leafy vegetables. There are actually eight forms of vitamin E, however, the alpha-tocopherol form is the one used by the body, according to the National Academy of Sciences.
Fill the Gap to Healthy Aging: Vitamin E in the diet may help reduce the risk of some of the most common diseases, such as heart disease
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