Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that is necessary for the proper functioning of many organs in the body. Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant and has many amazing health benefits. Your body does not produce Vitamin E, it must be gotten through the foods you eat. There are certain foods that are naturally rich in vitamin E. This article provides you with some Nigerian foods that are rich in vitamin E. But before that, let’s find out the benefits of vitamin E to the body.
Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is absorbed and moves through the body to fats. It’s stored in the liver and fatty tissue and is used when needed.
Some benefits of vitamin E include:
- Help manage diabetes
- Boosts cardiovascular health
- Good for the skin
- Reduces oxidative stress
- Strengthens the bones
- Improves brain health
- Protects eyesight
- Boosts the immune system
How much vitamin E does your body need daily? The required daily intake of vitamin E varies for different individuals. Babies and young children should take 4mg — 7mg of vitamin E daily. Teenagers and adults should get 11 — 15mg of vitamin E daily. While breastfeeding mothers need up to 19mg of vitamin E daily.
Nigerian Foods That Are Rich in Vitamin E
Many people wonder if there are foods rich in vitamin E in Nigeria. Well, there are so many Nigerian foods that contain a good amount of vitamin E.
1. Groundnuts
Groundnuts are a popular snack in Nigeria. There is 4.93 mg of vitamin E in 100 grams of dry-roasted groundnuts.
2. Palm oil
Palm oil is a very healthy oil with so many health benefits. There is 16 mg of vitamin E in 100 grams of palm oil, which is 106% of the required daily intake.
3. Almonds
Almonds are a healthy seed that is packed with vitamin E. 100 grams of almonds contains 26 mg of vitamin E.
4. Snails
Many Nigerian use snails to eat delicious soups. This seafood is equally loaded with vitamin E. In fact, 100 grams of snails contains 5 mg of vitamin E.
5. Avocados
One of the best fruits that are rich in vitamin E is avocados. It contains 2.1 mg of vitamin E in 100 grams serving of the fruit.
6. Crayfish
Crayfish is another healthy seafood that is popularly used in cooking. The health benefits of crayfish are manifold, and it is also rich in vitamin E. 100 grams of crayfish contains 1.5 mg of vitamin E.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts contain very high levels of a special form of vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol. It is the nut with the highest amount of gamma-tocopherol.
8. Spinach
This healthy Nigerian vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin E. 100 grams of raw spinach contains 2.0 mg of vitamin E.
9. Tiger nuts
If you want to get enough vitamin E at once, then tiger nuts is exactly what you need. 100 grams of tiger nuts contains 42 mg of vitamin E, which is a whooping 278% of the daily value (DV)!
10. Cashew nuts
Cashew nuts are readily available in Nigeria and contain a decent amount of vitamin E. 100 grams of cashew nuts contain 1 mg of vitamin E.
11. Tomato paste
Tomato paste is used for cooking tomato-based stews, and soups. It is rich in vitamin E, and low in calories. 100 grams of tomato paste contains 1.4 mg of vitamin E, which is 9% of the daily value (DV).
12. Mackerel fish
Mackerel fish is an oily fish and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. This fish is also a great source of vitamin E. 100 grams of mackerel fish contains 2.4 mg of vitamin E.
13. Mango
Mango is a popular seasonal fruit in Nigeria. Mango has a moderate amount of vitamin E, and but is rich in many other nutrients. 100 grams of mangoes contain 0.9 mg of vitamin E.
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