ROCHESTER, Minnesotas' scientists and nutritionists have long recognized the importance of vitamins in a healthy diet. Now there is growing investigation of the role of vitamins in treating diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Vitamin E is called an antioxi-

dant because of its role in countering oxidation a process that damages living cells and which is brought about by free radicals.
Free radicals are oxygen molecules normally found in the bloodstream that perform a number of useful functions. However, a surplus of free radicals can be harmful to normal cells.
To keep oxidation in check, your body uses antioxidants to combat the harmful effect of free radicals. Perhaps best known of the antioxidants (which include beta-carotene and vitamins A and C) is vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol. Food sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, soft margarine, eggs, fish, green leafy vegetables, whole grain products and dried beans.
Vitamin E is needed for the production of normal red blood cells and also has a role in preventing blood clots and in stimulating the immune system. Vitamin E also has shown promise in protecting against cardiovascular disease by directly attaching to the LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or bad cholesterol, in the blood and slowing the progression of atheriosclerosis.
Research has shown that the body's ability to derive antioxidants from food sources often isn't adequate to prevent the negative effects of surplus free radicals. When given in high doses, antioxidants may be effective in slowing  the progress of certain diseases, including Alzheimer's. Early studies of vitamin E have shown that it may help prevent brain cell damage.

Seated squat helps women to keep their cat womanly curves well-toned.  This exercise whittles the hips, thighs and buttocks.
(1) Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor and arms extended straight and in front of you.
(2) Exhale and slowly stand, tightening the buttocks and pulling elbows back toward body until you're upright.
(3) Inhale and slowly sit down again, extending your arms in front of you.  Do three sets of fifteen repetitions every other day.