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One study in 2004 showed that alpha-tocotrienol (a type of tocotrienol) is much more effective than tocopherol at protecting nerve cells
When combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, tocotrienols could become a valuable part of women’s heart care
A major study published in The Lancet in 2021 found that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women, yet it does not get the attention it deserves. This is especially true for women going through or past menopause, when their natural protection from the hormone oestrogen decreases. That is why finding simple ways to protect heart health during this stage of life is so important. Dr. Varun Bansal, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals shares all you need to know:
Along with exercise and healthy habits, what you eat plays a big role in keeping your heart strong. Cutting back on excess sugar, salt, fat, and refined carbs is important. It’s also helpful to include more whole grains and foods rich in antioxidants. These help reduce “oxidative stress,” which is a kind of internal wear and tear that causes inflammation and can lead to clogged arteries and heart attacks.
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Vitamin E has long been discussed as a potential dietary agent to help fight against diseases related to the heart, brain, and ageing. It has two main forms: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocopherols are found in corn, soybeans, and olives. Tocotrienols, meanwhile, are particularly found in palm oil, rice bran, and barley oils. Both forms are processed similarly by our bodies, but tocotrienols break down more easily. Still, they have unique properties that make them powerful. For instance, they can inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver and stop the oxidation of LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” which can clog arteries.
Tocotrienols also prevent harmful cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and may help inhibit the growth of certain tumour cells. They even protect brain cells from toxins like excess glutamate, which can damage nerve cells.
One study in 2004 showed that alpha-tocotrienol (a type of tocotrienol) is much more effective than tocopherol at protecting nerve cells. What’s more, it worked even in very tiny amounts through mechanisms that do not rely only on antioxidant activity.
For women post-menopause, a time when cholesterol levels often rise due to hormonal changes, tocotrienols may offer a natural way to support healthy cholesterol levels.
Ongoing, low-level inflammation is another factor that raises the risk of heart disease. It damages the inside of blood vessels and can lead to blockages. Tocotrienols help fight this kind of inflammation. They lower markers like CRP (C-reactive protein), which is linked to heart disease. This is especially helpful for women during or after menopause, when inflammation can rise due to stress, hormonal shifts, or being overweight.
One reason tocotrienols are more effective than tocopherols is their chemical structure. They can enter cells more easily and protect them better from damage caused by oxidation. Tocotrienols also help keep blood vessels flexible, which reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks. They support the production of nitric oxide, a substance that helps blood vessels relax and stay elastic.
When combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, tocotrienols could become a valuable part of women’s heart care. As more research is done, they may play an even bigger role in keeping hearts healthy, especially for women in midlife and beyond.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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