Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 5, 2025

Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town?

This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it.

Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight.

Especially if you’re battling leg pain and cramping.

A new study published in the journal PLoS One concluded that vitamin E can reduce your risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD).

While most of us worry about plaque building up our heart’s arteries, PAD affects the vessels that supply blood to your limbs—most commonly your legs.

When these arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, your legs don’t get enough oxygen-rich blood—especially during activity.

The result? Pain, cramping, and weakness when walking, known as claudication.

Claudication pain typically goes away with rest. But as the condition progresses, you might experience it even when resting.

Slow-healing wounds on your feet or legs are another common complication of PAD. In severe cases, tissue death could lead to amputation.

But new research has provided folks at risk for PAD a lifeline. Study participants with higher dietary vitamin E intake had significantly lower rates of peripheral artery disease compared to those getting the least.

The folks getting more vitamin E were about 32 percent less likely to develop PAD.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from damage. It also helps keep blood flowing smoothly, discouraging artery-blocking blood clots.

Before you rush to the supplement aisle to pick up a mega-sized bottle of E, remember that food sources of nutrients are almost always preferable—and that’s certainly the case with vitamin E.

Here are some vitamin-E-rich foods to add to your PAD-prevention shopping list:

• Sunflower seeds and almonds (top-tier sources!)
• Spinach and other dark leafy greens
• Avocados
• Red bell peppers
• Whole grains
• Wheat germ oil

Vitamin E has fallen out of fashion since the 90s, but this research shows it deserves another look—especially for those concerned about PAD.

With a 32 percent lower risk of developing peripheral artery disease, getting your recommended daily allowance of 15 mg through foods like sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach is a simple yet effective way to protect your arteries and keep your legs pain-free.

Sometimes the most powerful health solutions have been hiding in plain sight all along.

P.S. Let go of leg pain and reclaim your mobility.

Source:

Liu, Q., Wu, X., Wang, Y., Wang, X., Zhao, F., & Shi, J. (2025). Association of dietary vitamin E intake with peripheral arterial disease: A retrospective cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 20(3), e0320356.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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