Vitamin E is an important preventative for the inevitable decline of mind and body as we age. Researchers at Yale University claim that people with the lowest levels of Vitamin E, as evidenced in blood tests, are 60% more likely to experience physical decline regarding activities of daily living. However, for those who had higher levels of Vitamin E, they seemed to reverse the clock. This is attributed to the potent anti-oxidant ability of Vitamin E to reduce the damage of free radicals to DNA and muscle tissue, as well as preventing cardiovascular disease.

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has found that Vitamin E can help protect the brain against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease. Among older people good nutrition has always played a key role in brain health, prevention or at the very least, the postponement of Alzheimer’s Disease. In fact a Mediterranean diet is highly praised for promoting cardiovascular and mental health.

We need to know: How much Vitamin E should we get and are supplements good? The key with Vitamin E is balance. If you ingest over 400 units through supplements, you could be hurting your health! Also, both Yale University and Rush Medical Center recommend getting Vitamin E naturally, from food, which has been shown to be the best source for being heart smart and brain smart.
Foods that contain Vitamin E:

• Whole grains
• Most ready-to-eat cereals are fortified with vitamin E. Fortified ready-to-eat cereals usually contain at least 40 percent of the U.S. RDA for vitamin E. Since cereals vary, check the label on the package for the percentage of the U.S. RDA for a specific cereal.
• Fruit like apples, apricots, nectarines and peaches.
• Vegetables like chard, dandelion greens, spinach, turnip greens, pumpkin and mustard greens
• Almonds, peanuts, brazil nuts, filberts, sunflower seeds and of course, peanut butter or almond butter
• Fish
• Chicken and Turkey
• Meat

To make sense out of all this information your best bet is to each a variety of fruits and vegetables and avoid supplements unless your doctor prescribes them because your body does not absorb the nutrients. And while these studies are interesting and hopeful, keep in mind that along with good nutrition you need to exercise. Exercise will help prevent both physical and muscular decline. Exercise has also proven to create new brain cells, more effective than crossword puzzles and brain video games, especially if your exercise routine is always being changed and so, challenging your brain.

Do not forget to work on core strength and balance. As we age, we need to strengthen our balance in order to prevent falls and injuries.

If you eat right by ingesting natural foods and exercising daily, you will most likely reduce inflammation, improve your strength and nourish your brain. Put your mind into your muscle to reap the synergistic benefits.

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For more information on prevention and caregiving for Alzheimer's read my book, Changing Habits:The Caregivers' Total Workout. To listen to archived radio shows with guest experts visit Turn On Your Inner Light Radio Show