Vitamin E protects polyunsaturated fats from being oxidised into free radicals, and so protects all membranes including those in blood vessel walls. Examples of these polyunsaturated fats in the diet are fish and seed oils.
Probably one of the most important nutrients for the survival of all oxygen breathing forms of life, Vitamin E has been the centre of worldwide research and is recognised as a biological antioxidant and is beneficial for the health of the heart, blood vessels and skin.
It is often referred to as alpha-tocopherol. However, this fat soluble vitamin does not work alone but has a close relationship with Vitamin C and beta-carotene and they work together in combatting free radicals.