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You may have often wondered why vitamin E is rarely discussed or even mentioned within the context and basics of Traditional Diet.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, after all, just the same as vitamins A, D, and K2. These three nutrients are the stars of classic Nutrition and Physical Degeneration.
Yet, vitamin E is infrequently mentioned in Dr. Weston A. Price’s work. It is also not referred to as one of the fat-soluble activators (A, D, and K). These nutrients were plentiful in the foods revered and even considered sacred by ancestral societies for bestowing health and vitality to young and old alike.
Research to date suggests that vitamin E’s role is primarily as a powerful and important antioxidant. Specifically, vitamin E is protective of free radical damage to the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes. Hence, it is critical to the healthy maintenance of these membranes so they can properly perform their designated functions.
Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue, ND, author of Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox, suggests that if vitamin E were significantly involved in protein production like the hormone-like vitamin A, D, and K2, then a deficiency would produce clinical symptoms.
Surprisingly, unlike deficiencies of A, D or K, vitamin E deficiency does not typically produce noticeable symptoms.
Does this mean that vitamin E is unimportant?
Role of Vitamin E in Hormone Health
On the contrary, while vitamin E may not act as a hormone directly like its more popular fat-soluble cousins, it has been found to play a role in the release of every single reproductive hormone from the pituitary gland. In animals, vitamin E deficiency reduces the production of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, critical to fertility in both men and women.
Declining vitamin E in the diet was already recognized as a problem in the 1930s when the modern epidemic of infertility began.
Researchers at that time believed declining female fertility was due to large scale grain milling that had started a generation before. Once whole grains are milled, they lose vitamin E rapidly due to exposure to air. Hence, whole grains that are consumed more than two days after milling would contribute to a widespread decline in vitamin E in the diet.
Dr. Price also believed diminishing vitamin E in the modern diet to be the culprit in declining fertility, even going so far as to refer to vitamin E as the “anti-sterility vitamin”.
Today, the Standard American Diet is almost completely devoid of vitamin E for two reasons. First, the consumption of freshly milled whole grains has all but disappeared. Second, the widespread practice of grain feeding to animals which causes a large decline in the vitamin E content of meat, dairy, and eggs.
How to Get Enough Vitamin E in the Modern Diet
Whole grains are a very good source of vitamin E in the diet provided they are eaten within two days of grinding. They should also be properly prepared according to traditional methods for optimal nutrient assimilation. Consequently, whole grain foods like breakfast cereals, pasta, and bread purchased from the store are not candidates for maintaining excellent vitamin E status. This is the case even if these foods are certified organic.
Almonds and nut butter are good sources of vitamin E as is wheat germ.
Surprisingly, fruits and vegetables are not good sources of vitamin E. Even avocados and avocado oil which are high in monounsaturated fat do not contain a large amount.
Oils from seeds or grains that do contain significant vitamin E include pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, and rice bran oil.
However, the use of these oils as a supplement is not advisable. The majority of people already consume far too much! This is due to an over-reliance on processed foods that contain these oils in rancid form. In addition, excessive intake of polyunsaturated fats can contribute to inflammation and even trigger overeating.
Consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs from grazing and freely roaming animals is an excellent way to naturally restore vitamin E to the diet.
Vitamin E: Powerful Antioxidant
In conclusion, while vitamin E has not attained the same stature as its more prominent fat-soluble cousins, A, D, and K2. It is nonetheless vital to good health and easy fertility due to its established role as a powerful antioxidant.
Continuing research on this nutrient may prove a further role in healing and wellness. A recent study suggests that high doses of vitamin E daily may slow early Alzheimer’s disease.
Sources
Vitamin K and the Calcium Paradox
Nutrition and Physical Degeneration
The Skinny on Fats
A daily high dose of Vitamin E may slow early Alzheimer’s disease
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My 9 yr old daughter has tested very low in vitamin e levels. I am trying to raise them using food. However because tooth decay has also been as issue in our family, we re trying to avoid / limit as much grain and nuts as we can. I found a product called Purely E from the North American Herb And Spice Co. What is your opinion of this product? Any suggestions would be very welcome.
I love this article. In cosmetology years ago we were taught that Vitamin E is a crucial vitamin and healthy skin and nails. Going further, it makes sense it would be important for cell health.
I was just wondering what methods people use to grind whole grains daily.
I really like the idea of grinding what you want as needed and would like to find a way to easily do this. I have a bigger grinder right now. It’s a blendtec wheat grinder and it works great but because of limited space and aesthetics I don’t leave it on the counter…. it actually stays in the basement. I bring it up once a month and grind a bunch and then just store the flour in the freezer. Does anyone have a good option for an easy to use daily grinder? Thoughts on the Vitamix dry blade container?
I use a Vitamix dry container, and it works well enough. However it is noisy, doesn’t grind as fine as I would like, and you can only grind two cups at a time. When I can save up enough, I am going to get a Wondermill. You can find all sorts of grinding equipment/help at bread beckers. They have excellent (free) video classes that were a lifesaver when I was transitioning to baking with freshly ground flour! Also the free CD is eye opening to what we’ve lost nutritionally to make flour shelf stable.
I’ve been grinding my own flour for almost eight months now, and it has been sooo worth it. I grew up eating healthy (found out about boxed mac n cheese in college, if that gives you an idea!), so not many changes to my diet make a difference in my already good health. BUT. Since switching to FGF I am more satisfied, have more energy, and *ahem* am never constipated. Being away from home at Thanksgiving and Christmas was a rude awakening. Even though I continued to eat healthy, I wasn’t able to make my own flour, and I felt bloated and weary the whole time.
It’s also amazing to see the effects of Vitamin E on my almost-five month old daughter. She was born like an ox, able to lift her head and scootch around in the hospital. She rolled over at 2 1/2 months, and it all but crawling now, even on our hardwoods! She had about three months of FGF in the womb, and I’m convinced all the Vitamin E is what made her so strong.
Julie, could you clarify what FGF means? Gluten free?
FGF = Freshly ground flour 🙂
Apparently some herbal infusions can also provide vitamin E. I found this on “The Learning Herbs” website:
“VITAMIN E Antioxidant which helps prevent cancer and heart disease. Prevents cell damage. Reduces blood pressure and promotes healthy skin and hair. HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, bladder wrack, dandelion, dong quai, flaxseed, nettle, oat straw, raspberry leaf, rose hips.”
Vitamin E is wonderful for new breastfeeding mothers. Use it on your nipples after every feeding. I could not have continued to breastfeed my children without it.
Here’s one from Radiant Life where the Vitamin E is derived from the Brazilian annatto bean. http://bit.ly/1lBbR2r
Is there any vitamin E supplement that is any good? Every one I have looked at is derived from soybean oil.
Red palm oil is the best source of vitamin E. Make sure it isn’t regular palm oil or palm kernel oil, which is different. You can find it at ethnic or health food stores. Many may find it tastes strange though.
Excellent suggestion. Thank you. Yes, red palm oil can take some getting used to though.
I have vaginal dryness due to no more estrogen being produced. I am 63yo. Started using Carlson Key-E suppositories which contain D-alpha tocopheryl (not ol which means it is not a natural form of Vit E). They also contain hydrogenated coconut and palm oils.
Do you know anything about this issue and what i can use rather than these suppositories?