In Leviticus Chapter 24: 2 it is mentioned that the children of Israel were to bring unto Moses pure olive oil. The specific purpose of this pure olive oil was to keep the lamps of the candlestick burning continuously. Within olive oil there is Vitamin E which is a natural antioxidant with numerous health benefits. Each tablespoon of olive oil contains approximately 1.6 mg of Vitamin E, which is 8% of the recommended daily intake for this vitamin (Oliveoilsource, 2011).

It is interesting to note that in this verse in Leviticus, it is clear that the pure olive oil was to be beaten for the light. In most cases, when the children of Israel made olive oil, they used an oil press; however the oil for the sanctuary lamps was an exception. As part of this process, the olives were thoroughly washed of all impurities and then they were beaten and bruised. At this point the olives were left to sit for a while and all the oil was allowed to slowly drain out. Through this process it was impossible to extract the same amount of oil as when an oil press was used. However, the product which resulted from the process of beating the olives was of higher quality and greater purity. The concept of using only the purest and holiest materials and ingredients is seen all throughout the earthly sanctuary. God expected that everything used in His dwelling place (earthly sanctuary) would be of a pure and holy nature, completely uncorrupted and undefiled.

Function of Vitamin E in the Body

Vitamin E exists in eight different forms, with Alpha-Tocopherol being the most active form of Vitamin E in humans. Alpha-tocopherol also happens to be a very potent antioxidant in the body and effectively prevents the increase of free-radical reactions. Vitamin E works very well with other antioxidants within the body, and combined with the other antioxidants the protection against free-radical reactions is increased (Preventative Health Guide, 2008).

Vitamin E within the body is absorbed in the small intestine and is fat-soluble. In order to be effectively absorbed into the body it needs not only the presence of lipids, but also depends upon normal pancreatic function and biliary secretion. Free radicals within the body can be formed as a part of normal metabolic processes, but also can occur as a result of toxic outside pollutants and cigarette smoke. Vitamin E in the body can be found within the cellular membrane and it protects certain parts of the cellular membrane from being oxidized by free radicals. It plays an important role in protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are also part of the cellular membrane, from oxidization. Other than protecting the health of the cellular membrane, Vitamin E also plays an important role in preventing the oxidization of low density lipoproteins (LDL) (Vitamin Basics, 2009).

There are many health benefits closely linked with the consumption of Vitamin E as an integral part of the diet. For example, research has shown there to be some evidence that Vitamin E can decrease the risk of cancer. Scientists came to this conclusion because, as mentioned before, Vitamin E protects the cell membrane against free radicals and also it boosts the function of the immune system. Therefore, people who have a higher intake of Vitamin E have been shown to have lower incidences of breast, prostate, and colon cancer (Preventative Health Guide, 2008). Another health benefit is that Vitamin E is able to delay the onset of coronary heart disease. It slows down the onset of this disease by preventing the oxidization of cholesterol. When cholesterol is oxidized it becomes much more harmful to the body and this is when it begins clogging the arteries. As the arteries become more and more clogged, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke. In addition, Vitamin E can prevent blood clots; a blood clot anywhere in the body can increase the chance of a heart attack. Vitamin E assists in the process of DNA repair and plays an important role in keeping the hormones balanced, and promotes the healthy functioning of the reproductive system. Finally, Vitamin E can help the skin recover from scarring and cuts or wounds, and is important in maintaining normal vision. It helps to maintain healthy skin and eyes by controlling the levels of vitamin A within the body (Preventative Health Guide, 2008).

History of Vitamin E

Vitamin E was first discovered by Herbert Evans and Scott Bishop in 1922; however, it was not named Vitamin E until 1924. The scientific name given to this vitamin was Tocopherol, which is a Greek word. The meaning of the word is “childbirth” and “to bring forth”. Therefore, Tocopherol was a very appropriate name to give this Vitamin because it was shown to play a very important role in certain animal species being able to reproduce. The last two letters of the word Tocopherol are a reference to the fact that it has alcohol properties (Members Core, 2009).

For a number of years after the initial discovery of Vitamin E, there was very little additional research done, because no reliable source was discovered. However, in 1936, it came to light that wheat germ oil was an excellent source of Vitamin E. Two years later after this discovery was made, Vitamin E was synthesized for the first time. Further research in this area led to the discovery in 1962 that Vitamin E was very valuable as an antioxidant. At this time, the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. National Research Council sponsored studies on the effects of Vitamin E deficiency, and this led to vitamin E officially being recognized as an essential nutrient for humans, in 1968 (Vitamin Basics, 2009). These studies helped to reveal that the body cannot manufacture its own vitamin E, and, therefore, humans must eat foods and supplements containing vitamin E in order to reap its benefits. The inability of the body to produce vitamin E is one main reason why it is considered to be an essential vitamin today.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency

Once Vitamin E is stored in the body it takes an extended period of time for these stores to run out. Also, Vitamin E deficiency is, in the vast majority of cases, not caused by a poor diet. In fact, Vitamin E deficiency is, in general, quite rare and is almost unheard of in healthy adults. Even if healthy adults are deficient in Vitamin E, there are no outward symptoms which can be observed (Vitamin Basics, 2009). There are, however, a few certain situations in which a Vitamin E deficiency can occur. For example, it can be seen in persons who are unable to properly digest and absorb dietary fat, and in people who have rare diseases related to the body’s ability to metabolize fats. Also, Vitamin E deficiency can be observed in babies who are born prematurely and have a low birth weight (E Medicine, 2011).

In individuals who have problems metabolizing fats this most often leads to poor absorption of dietary fat and Vitamin E. There is a rare inherited disorder called Abetalipoproteinemia which has specific symptoms due to the body’s inability to metabolize fats. The symptoms associated with this disorder include, poor transmission of nerve impulses, muscle weakness, and degeneration of the retina, that can ultimately lead to blindness. The treatments most often prescribed by doctors for this specific disorder are special Vitamin E supplements. In addition, there is another rare genetic condition called Ataxia which causes the person to be almost completely unable to absorb Vitamin E. If left untreated this leads to neurological complications; however, it can be treated effectively with large doses of Vitamin E (E Medicine, 2011).

Vitamin E’s Recommended Dietary Allowance

There are several different forms of Vitamin E, and this means there are also different recommendations and guidelines for each form. Although most recommendations of the daily intake of the Vitamin that should be taken are stated in milligrams, many Vitamin E supplements themselves are done in international units. Converting between milligrams and International Units is not always completely straightforward. Also, it must be taken into account that natural Vitamin E is much more potent than synthetic Vitamin E. Due to this discrepancy, a smaller dosage of natural Vitamin E would have the same effect upon the body as a larger dose of synthetic Vitamin E. In addition to this, the amount of Vitamin E needed on a daily basis can certainly vary according to age and sex. Due to these factors, deciding upon the correct dose of Vitamin E can be a challenge (Health Information Brought to Life, 2011).

The generally accepted Recommended Daily Intake of Alpha-Tocopherol in humans is 7–11 mg for children between the ages of 4 and 13 years. For individuals that are 14 and older, it is recommended that they have 15 mg per day. Pregnant women are also recommended to have 15 mg per day, and women that are breastfeeding can have 19 mg per day (Health Information Brought to Life, 2011).

Rich Food Sources of Vitamin E

Vegetable oils which include such oils as olive oil and sunflower oil, nuts, whole grains and wheat germ are among the most essential sources of Vitamin E. Also, mustard greens are one of the foods with the highest content of Vitamin E. Swiss chard is a leafy green which also has a high content of Vitamin E in it. Spinach contains vitamin E as well as a variety of other antioxidants and essential nutrients; therefore, this health promoting food should be included in the diet if at all possible. Some other specific foods which have a high content of Vitamin E are kale and collard greens, and tropical fruits such as papaya and kiwi, red bell peppers and broccoli. Wheat can also be a fairly good source of Vitamin E; however, when it is processed the germ part is often removed, which is not a positive. The germ part within the wheat contains most of the Vitamin E; therefore, when it is removed, only a small remnant of this vitamin remains in the wheat (Fit Day, 2009).

Toxicity Level of Vitamin E

When there is a large quantity of Vitamin E in the diet, but the individual is not taking any form of Vitamin E supplements, this has not been shown to lead to toxicity. However, when Vitamin E supplements are taken in very high doses of 3000 IU or more, this most often does become toxic for the individual. In this case the person can experience a number of side effects such as intestinal cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, double vision, and muscle weakness. The research done in this area has shown that when an individual is taking regular Vitamin E supplements under the level of 3000 IU there is most often no issue with toxicity (The World’s Healthiest Foods, 2011).

Although there are usually very few issues with Vitamin E having toxic effects upon people, there is one particular instance which may cause an issue. And this particular instance is when an individual is very deficient in Vitamin K. If they are deficient in Vitamin K, then taking large doses of Vitamin E can have the negative effects of prolonging bleeding time and interfering with effective blood clotting. The daily intake limit for Vitamin E which was set in the year 2000 by the National Academy of Sciences is 1,000 mg or 1,500 IU of Vitamin E in the form of Alpha Tocopherol. This daily limit only applies to people who are taking this vitamin in supplemental form and who are 19 years or older (The World’s Healthiest Foods, 2011).

Spiritual Allegory related to Vitamin E

Vitamin E within the cells of the body is very effective at protecting the cells against being oxidized by free radicals. Vitamin E is most effective at protecting the body when it combines its forces with other antioxidants. In a spiritual sense Vitamin E is prayer, which is so essential in protecting our spiritual health and life against the attacks of Satan and the temptations of this world. The other antioxidants which Vitamin E combines with are a representation of the other tools we have been given by God in our war against sin and Satan. They represent the daily reading of the Holy Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy, and us as individuals listening to and following the voice of the Holy Spirit. Prayer by itself is very powerful and effective; however, when combined with daily reading of The Word and a willingness to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, it becomes even more powerful.

Free radicals occur due to metabolic processes and as a result of outside pollutants and cigarette smoke. These free radicals are a very fitting representation of the external temptations and attacks of Satan and the internal temptations or struggles we must face every day. Just as free radicals sometimes occur due to normal metabolic processes, if the human heart is allowed to choose its own course it will naturally choose a sinful course, and this is an example of the internal struggle we must all face. A heart that has not accepted Christ will naturally follow a course that will lead to greater depths of sin and corruption, and if left unchecked, the cancer of sin will spread throughout the whole body. We know also that free radicals within the physical body are a cancer-causing agent, and if left unchecked can lead to cancerous tumors. Therefore, in order to change the natural course of events in a life without Christ we must fully accept Christ and die to self daily. This dying to self daily involves daily prayer and study of the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Similarly, in order to reduce our risk of cancer and control the free radicals within our bodies, we must daily eat foods such as olive oil, which are rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin E .

The external temptations we must all face are the unsanctified elements which are all around us in the world today. These include all sorts of worldly entertainment and worldly music and anything which can distract our mind from God and eternal matters. The more we give in to these temptations the weaker we become spiritually, and the more likely we are to give in to these same temptations in the future. As we continue giving in to the same temptations over and over, this can certainly lead to the cancer of sin within our spiritual lives. Similarly, the more often the body is brought into contact with harmful external pollutants, the greater the chance that these pollutants will cause free radicals within the body which can lead to cancer. Also, when our physical bodies are overrun with free radicals it can most certainly weaken them and predispose them to disease. The best remedy in this situation is, again, to eat foods which are rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants and, if necessary, take Vitamin E supplements. Finally, in order to resist the external temptations which are all around us we must be grounded in prayer and the study of the Scriptures, for this is our only hope.

Richard Eaton

References

E Medicine (2011). Background on vitamin E deficiency. Retrieved on December 6th 2011, from: www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/126187-overview.

Fit Day (2009). 10 vitamin E rich foods. Retrieved on December 6th 2011, from: www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/10-vitamin-e-rich-fodds.html.

Health Information Brought to Life (2011). Vitamin E. Retrieved on December 6th 2011, from: www.alzheimers.emedtv.com/vitamin-e/vitamin-e-dosage.html.

Members Core (2009). Vitamin E. Retrieved on December 6th 2011, from: www.members.core.com/-frank416/vitamine.html.

Olive Oil Source (2011). What is in olive oil. Retrieved on December 6th 2011, from: www.oliveoilsource.com/page/what-olive-oil.

Preventative Health Guide (2008). Getting the right form of vitamin E. Retrieved on December 6th 2011, from: www.preventative-health-guide.com/vitamin-E.html.

The World’s Healthiest Foods (2011). Vitamin E. Retrieved on December 7th 2011, from: www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrientanddbid=111.

Vitamin Basics (2009). The facts about vitamins in nutrition. Retrieved on December 6th 2011, from: www.vitamin-basics.com/index.php?id=39.