Vitamin E is one of the most versatile antioxidants. It has been linked to most degenerative diseases. It is recognized as an essential vitamin in that the body cannot manufacture its own vitamin E and therefore it must be provided by foods and/or supplements.
While vitamin E is a potent antioxidant by itself, its effects are magnified when it works in harmony (synergy) with other antioxidants. One source of nearly perfect combination of antioxidants for heart health is a whole food is vine-grown tomatoes. They contain vitamins C and E, along with the carotenoid beta-carotene and lycopene. Dr. Aviram, of the Rambam Medical Center in Israel, has shown that pure tomato extract (as in the product Lyc-O-Mato) dramatically increases the resistance of LDL cholesterol to oxidation. The reason for its effectiveness is the combination of antioxidants working in a complementary and supportive way to increase overall antioxidant capability.
In his book Antioxidant Against Cancer (Equinox Press, 2000), Ralph Moss, Ph.D., America's leading expert on cancer alternatives, provides the following information from relevant research studies.
There are now about 15,000 medical articles on vitamin E and about 1,500 related to cancer. Regular use of any vitamin supplement corresponded to significantly reduced risk of p53(the most important tumor suppressor gene) mutation. Vitamin E leads to a four-fold reduction in p53 mutation.
Giving patients vitamin E for 24 weeks led to a 46 percent reduction in premalignant changes in the mouth (clinical leukoplakia).
Scientist in Bern, Switzerland found that vitamin E inhibits the activity of a substance that stimulates tumor growth. Older people who took vitamin E supplements daily were 41 percent less likely to die of cancer and 40 percent less likely to die of heart disease, than people who did not take vitamin E.
Another Swiss study examined almost 3,000 men over several decades. It was found that low vitamin E levels, especially in smokers, was related to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
In conclusion, while this article has focused on the role of Lyc-O-Mato, selenium and natural vitamin E in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, it should be noted that there is significant clinical evidence they also play an important role in the defense against a broad spectrum of cancers. As well as providing a host of other natural health benefits.
Editor's Note: A synergistic combination of Lyc-O-Mato (lycopene), SelenoExcell (selenium) and natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) is currently available from Healthy Orgins. For the past two years I have considered their Lyc-O-Mato products as my personal prostate health insurance policy.
James F. Balch, M.D. is a retired urologist and well-known writer. An early proponent of nutritional approaches to disease prevention, Dr. Balch has immersed himself in the study of tomato lycopene, the powerful antioxidant that has been the subject of intense anti-cancer research studies. In addition to the growing buzz about tomatoes, Blach is an authority on most nutrients and painstakingly describes their effects and interactions with other medications on his best selling book Prescriptiopn for Nutritional Healing. Most recently he has written The Super Antioxidants, 10 Natural Remedies That Can Save Your Life, and the preface to the new book Tomato Power a complete guide to how the popular backyard garden crops helps humans retain their health.
