Why You Need Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s essential for the immune system to function properly and prevents blood platelets from clotting and sticking to blood vessel walls. It can also work as an antioxidant that prevents damage to cells due to exposure to free radicals.
The average adult needs about 11 milligrams (or 10.4 International Units) of vitamin E every day. Vitamin E supplements used to be popular because people hoped they’d help prevent heart disease and cancer.
But, research studies haven’t shown any benefit from taking these supplements, and some potential for harm if taken in very large doses. So skip the supplements and get your vitamin E from foods. Here are ten healthy foods that are also good sources of vitamin E.
Source:
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. “Vitamin E Factsheet for Health Professionals.” Accessed December 11, 2015. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/.
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Almonds

Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, along with B-complex vitamins, potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron. One ounce (that’s about 23 kernels) has over 7 milligrams of vitamin E, which is just about half of what you need for the whole day.
Nutrition Information for Almonds
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 12061, Nuts, almonds.” Accessed December 11, 2015.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3635.
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Broccoli

Broccoli is loaded with all kinds of nutrients including vitamins A, K, and C, calcium, and antioxidants, and low in calories. It’s also a good source of vitamin E – four spears of broccoli contains one milligram.
Nutrition Information for Broccoli
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 11090, Broccoli, raw.” Accessed December 11, 2015.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2871.
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Canola Oil

Canola oil is a versatile vegetable oil that is a good source of monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. One tablespoon has about 2.5 milligrams of vitamin E. Canola oil is good for cooking or as a base for salad dressings.
Nutrition Information for Canola Oil
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 04582, Oil, canola.” Accessed December 11, 2015.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/718.
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Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts, also called filberts, are healthy foods because they’re high in minerals like calcium and iron, and fiber, plus monounsaturated fats. One ounce (about 21 kernels) has over 4 milligrams of vitamin E, which is more than 25 percent of your daily recommendation.
Nutrition Information for Hazelnuts
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 12120, Nuts, hazelnuts or filberts.” Accessed December 11, 2015.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3666.
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Kiwifruit

Kiwifruits are high in vitamin C, calcium, potassium and magnesium. Plus, one kiwifruit has one milligram of vitamin E. Kiwifruits are also a good source of fiber and fairly low in calories so they’re perfect at snack time.
Nutrition Information for Kiwifruits
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 09148, Kiwifruit, green, raw.” Accessed December 11, 2015.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2253.
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Mango

Mango is high in vitamins A and C, plus potassium and fiber. One cup of mango pieces also has 1.5 milligrams of vitamin E. Sliced mangos are delicious as part of a salad or can be used as an ingredient in smoothies.
Nutrition Information for Mangos
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 09176, Mangos, raw.” Accessed December 11, 2015.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2271.
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Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is good for you because high in magnesium, zinc, protein and niacin. Two tablespoons of peanut butter also have about 3 milligrams of vitamin E. Choose natural peanut butter to avoid added sugars.
Nutrition Information for Peanut Butter
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 16098, Peanut butter, smooth style, with salt.” Accessed December 11, 2015.http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/4836.
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Spinach

Spinach is one of those superfoods that’s high in most vitamins and minerals, plus it’s a great source of fiber and super low in calories. One cup of cooked spinach has almost 4 milligrams of vitamin E.
Nutrition Information for Spinach
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 11854, Spinach, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt.” Accessed December 11, 2015. http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3469.
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Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are nutrient dense because they’re high in calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and folate, plus they have fiber and monounsaturated fats. One ounce of sunflower seeds also has 7 milligrams of vitamin E.
Nutrition Information for Sunflower Seeds
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 12536, Seeds, sunflower seed kernels from shell, dry roasted, with salt added.” Accessed December 11, 2015. http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3719.
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Tomatoes

Tomatoes are nutritious because they’re high in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and potassium, while being low in calories. One cup of chopped tomato also has one milligram of vitamin E. Tomato sauces and juices are also high in vitamin E.
Nutrition Information for Tomatoes
Source:
United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. “Basic Report: 11529, Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average.” Accessed December 11, 2015. http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3223.