Vitamins and Hot Flashes - What's Special About Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Other Antioxidants

The number one symptom that women going through menopause experience is hot flashes. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that relieves menopause hot flashes. Studies done over the past 50 years have shown it to relieve hot flashes as well as other menopausal and post menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness.

There are other substantial benefits of this antioxidant/vitamin. A Nurses Health Study showed that women who took vitamin E over a two-year period reduced their risk of fatal heart attacks by 40%. Vitamin E is currently being studied for its possible effect on Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

Combining vitamin E with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, chromium, and beta-carotene may offer a plethora of relief for menopausal symptoms and most likely work better together than separately.

Here are some other antioxidant benefits:

* They reduce hot flashes commonly associated with the change of life.
* They support a balanced mood and promote calmness.
* They help maintain healthy sleeping patterns.
* They support hormonal balance during perimenopause and menopause.

In general we can say that antioxidants will help you negotiate menopause comfortably, keep your energy levels up and increase your zest for life.

Here are three ways to get and increase the vitamin E in your diet:

#1 PECANS

Pecans are nutritious, delicious and rich in vitamin E. They are an excellent source of protein. The fat found in pecans is mostly polyunsaturated and there is no cholesterol in them. Pecans add fiber to your diet and contain iron, calcium, vitamins A, B, and C, potassium and phosphorous. In case you're wondering, adding ten large pecan halves to your salads, vegetables, meat dishes or desserts will add 65 nutritious calories to your diet.

#2 PEANUTS

Peanut butter is another great source of vitamin E. There are 3.2 milligrams of vitamin E in each two-tablespoon serving. (the RDA for vitamin E is 15 milligrams)

Peanuts are also a good source of vitamin E, providing 2.6 milligrams or 17% of the RDA per one-ounce serving (a small handful). Sprinkle peanuts on your salads for extra nutrients, or snack on a handful of peanuts instead of chips or pretzels.

Peanuts and peanut butter also provide plant protein and fiber. In addition, they are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and contain folate, niacin, thiamin, magnesium, and zinc, all of which are thought to benefit health.

#3 OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is a natural juice which preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and properties of the olive fruit. Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed as it is, freshly pressed from the fruit. Use EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives. Because it is less processed it contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and phenols. Use olive oil for cooking and also as salad dressing and you'll be enjoying a great tasty treat and boosting your vitamin E intake as well.

Enjoy these three natural and delicious ways to make sure you're getting vitamin E each and every day. This way you know that you're doing your part to help your body decrease the effects of hot flashes during menopause so that you'll look and feel your best each and every day.