Encouraging Health

Sweet red peppers, sunflower seeds, and mango chunks atop a bed of spinach sure make for a yummy salad. But could it make you strong like Popeye, too?

According to research, it very well might. Especially if you’re over 65. You see, each of those salad ingredients is rich in vitamin E. And seniors who get the most E test best on physical tasks, like how fast they can walk or how quickly they can get up out of a chair.

Why Your Body Needs It
The cells of your body can be damaged by certain by-products released during normal, everyday body functions. But vitamin E helps protect against that damage — including damage to muscle cells. That may partly explain why not getting enough E puts physical function and strength at risk in seniors.

Should You Supplement?
The RealAge recommended dose of vitamin E is 400 international units per day. If you’re not getting what you need from your food, consider adding a supplement.

3 More Reasons to Get Your “E”
E is not just a strength saver. Here’s what else it can do for you — at any age:

Boost your brain.

Protect you from Parkinson’s. A diet packed with vitamin E may help protect against Parkinson’s disease, recent research concludes, and almonds are a good source. Parkinson’s is a chronic neurological condition that hampers motor function. Other good food sources of antioxidant vitamin E include hazelnuts, wheat-germ oil, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter.

The loss of dopamine-producing brain cells characterizes Parkinson’s disease, a condition that results in motor dysfunction. Parkinson’s usually affects men and women over the age of 50, although in rare cases the condition strikes people under the age of 40. Researchers aren’t sure what causes Parkinson’s, but it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several studies have documented an association between moderate-to-high consumption of vitamin E-rich foods and decreased incidence of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers are not certain whether vitamin E supplements also reduce the risk of Parkinson’s. Most experts agree it is best to get vitamins and nutrients from food. Supplements, however, can help boost nutrient intake if your diet falls short.

A diet packed with vitamin E may help protect against Parkinson’s disease, recent research concludes, and almonds are a good source. Parkinson’s is a chronic neurological condition that hampers motor function. Other good food sources of antioxidant vitamin E include hazelnuts, wheat-germ oil, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter.

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