| Before we discuss the benefits of Tocotrienols, we | | | | only animal, not human, subjects have been used...and |
| will first tak about Tocotrienols as a nutrient. | | | | some of them were only test tube studies, which in |
| Tocotrienols belongs to one or two groups of | | | | no way confirms the above, but it still may show |
| molecules belonging to the Vitamin E family. There is | | | | promise as an aid in the future. |
| another group called tocopherals- called tocols. | | | | It will be interesting to see what future research has |
| There are four natural tocotrienols called alpha, beta, | | | | to say about the possible health implications for |
| gamma, and delta). They have unsaturated isopronoid | | | | cancer and if this nutrient can serve as an aid. |
| or farnesyl side chain with three double bonds. Most | | | | Precautions should be taken when supplementing with |
| of the vitamin E that one normally purchases at a | | | | tocotrienols. Any one, who is sensitive to them in any |
| local store, grocery store, or even many health | | | | way, should avoid supplementation. |
| stores, are often made using a cheap, synthetic | | | | People taking Wafarin should take no more than |
| version of alpha-tocopherol. | | | | 100mg daily, and their levels should be monitored by |
| Where can Tocotrienols be found? | | | | a doctor. Those who have had liver failure, and |
| By contrast Tocotrienols can be found in plant oils | | | | vitamin K deficiencies, should take no more than |
| such as palm, rice bran oil, palm kernel oil, and | | | | 100mg daily. Anyone with bleeding lesions (bleeding |
| coconut oil. Cereal grains like barley and rye, and | | | | ulcers), hemorrhagic stroke, and inherited blood |
| vegetable oils such as canola, cottonseed, olive, | | | | disorders, such as hemophilia, should also limit or avoid |
| peanut, safflower, soybean, and sunflower contain | | | | supplementation with tocotrienols. They should also |
| tocotrienols. Corn oil however, has the least amount | | | | not be taken at the same time as one is consuming |
| of them all. | | | | processed foods that have nitrates or nitrites in |
| Some benefits of Tocotrienols | | | | them. There are no known adverse effects or |
| Tocotrienols may have antioxidant properties. They | | | | information on overdoses currently available. |
| may reduce cholesterol, and they are maybe | | | | Because tocotrienol has anti-clotting properties, |
| anti-carcinogenic, as well as immuno-modulatory in | | | | people taking anti-clotting medications or blood |
| action. They also have hypolipidemic effects, and | | | | thinners should discuss with their physician before |
| may inhibit breast cancer and other malignancies. | | | | consuming a supplement containing the nutrient. |
| Further Benefits of Tocotrienols | | | | Woman who are pregnant or nursing are advised to |
| First, tocotrienol is known as a potent antioxidant | | | | always consult with a physician before consuming any |
| against lipid peroxidation...antioxidants are what help to | | | | new supplements of any kind. |
| neutralize free radicals (highly reactive chemical | | | | Tips for Getting The best Benefits of Tocotrienol |
| substances within the body) that may otherwise | | | | 1. Tocotrienol, like Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble nutrient. |
| cause damage to bodily cells if they are left | | | | For this reason, avoid taking the vitamin on an empty |
| unchecked. | | | | stomach, if you do, the absorption of the nutrient will |
| Many studies have shown that tocotrienols may help | | | | be poor and no where near as effective. A perfect |
| cardiovascular system health and improved | | | | complement to taking this kind of vitamin would be |
| functioning relating to this. | | | | fish oil supplements; this is because fish oils contain |
| Let us show you an example; it may help prevent | | | | the kind of fatty acids that will greatly enhance |
| atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries | | | | absorption. |
| that may eventually lead to greater plaque buildup, | | | | 2. The Recommended daily allowance is not currently |
| this has been known to trigger off heart disease and | | | | set for this nutrient. Many experts' say a dosage |
| even heart attacks. | | | | between 10mg to 50mg per day would give you the |
| Studies have shown that tocotrienol can lower total | | | | benefits of Tocotrienols that we are looking for. |
| cholesterol (by 8% in one such study) and even | | | | However, we need to remember that it is very |
| reduce LDL levels (this is known as the "bad | | | | important to take this nutrient with fats, and also, try |
| cholesterol"). | | | | to take the nutrient after a meal. |
| Tocotrienols are also needed for the health of cellular | | | | 3. Make sure than you only purchase such |
| membranes, which may help prevent blood clotting, | | | | supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant |
| protectones lungs against outside pollution, and can | | | | facilities. Studies have shown that consumers often |
| help with boosting immune function. | | | | only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying supplements that |
| There are also more benefits of tocotrienol, although | | | | contain the ingredients that are stated on product |
| they are in no way concrete or confirmed, such as | | | | labels. The studies have also found many |
| helping protect against types of cancer, in particular, | | | | supplements to contain dangerous contaminants that |
| breast cancer. These are more speculative because | | | | can impair your health. |