Did you know that having a higher intake of vitamin E from food may help lower risk of breast, colon and prostate cancers? It’s true! This powerful antioxidant may also protect against heart disease. Before you make a mad dash for the nearest pharmacy, you should know that vitamin E supplements don’t seem to have the same effect as foods that are high in the nutrient. In fact, some studies have raised concern that high doses of vitamin E supplements do more harm than good in people who have diabetes or heart disease.
What’s the best way to get more vitamin E? Head to the grocery store! Good sources include vegetable oils, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, whole grains, wheat germ, avocado and leafy vegetables (especially kale). A few ideas:
- Make nuts go-to snack
- Try a tofu stir-fry
- Look for the words “100% Whole Grain” on packages
- Add wheat germ to smoothies
- Use mashed avocado in place of mayonnaise
- Toss chopped kale into soups and curries
