We Tried MealPro Meal Delivery, and It Was Better Than Takeout
9.0
/ 10
SCORE MealPro Buy at MealPro Pros Health-focused meals, and you can shop by diet and medical conditions
Large portions
Vacuum sealed for extended freshness and freezable
No subscription needed, but you can opt in or out of recurring deliveries
Meals are customizable (you can double the protein, remove carbs, etc.) Cons Pricier than other options
Fewer vegetarian and vegan options
Can only purchase a minimum of 18 meals per delivery
MealPro
9/10 CNET Score
Buy at MealPro
When I learned that we were going to start taste-testing premade meal delivery services for CNET, I thought I would be hard-pressed to find one that not only tasted fresh and delicious but was also healthy. MealPro proved me wrong.
This high-end service boasts flavor and plenty of meals to choose from, so whether you're training for a body-building competition, need to cut back on your cholesterol or simply want to eat heart-healthy meals that don't take hours of cooking, MealPro can step in and help. Here's everything to know about the service.
How MealPro works
MealPro is a premade meal delivery service that offers healthy and customizable meal plans. According to its website, the meals are cooked daily so they can be delivered as fresh as possible.
You can order one box at a time or opt in or out of recurring orders. The website is pretty straightforward. If you're planning to order from the regular menu, you will select what size box you want from two choices: 18 or 21 meals. Then, you choose your meals from a selection of 24. In addition to the meals, there are nine protein and side options that you can add to your cart.
MealPro's website is simple to navigate.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
If you don't see something on that main menu that you like, there are several additional options when you scroll to the bottom of the website. On the left-hand side, you will see the following options: Fitness Meals, Medical Meals, Custom Meals, Vegan Meals and A La Carte Menu. These menu filters allow customers to get hyperspecific with nutrition goals.
Under Fitness Meals, there are six plans to pick from:
Bodybuilding Meal Plan
400 Calorie Meal Plan
Keto Meal Plan
Paleo Meal Plan (Whole 30 compliant)
GLP-1 Friendly Meal Plan
Low-Carb Meal Plan
Under each meal plan, there are various meals that are not on the regular menu. For the medical meals, there are 10 plans available:
Diabetic Meal Plan
Low-Sodium Meal Plan
Renal Meals Stage 1-3
Renal Meals Stage 4 (Pre-dialysis)
Renal Meals Stage 5 (Dialysis)
Heart-Healthy Meal Plan
Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis Meal Plan
Low Cholesterol Meal Plan
Celiac Meal Plan
Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan
For each specialty meal plan, you can choose to buy the full plan or shop them a la carte. Each meal also includes a full nutrition label, so you know exactly what you're getting.
MealPro pricing
The MealPro price varies widely depending on what meal or plan you choose. For the regular menu, prices vary between $7.99 and $21.49 per meal or snack. The meals can also be adjusted to your preference, such as adding double protein or purchasing a larger size, which incurs an upcharge.
Below is a snapshot of a handful of the meals available and the prices.
Meal Price Protein Pancakes (10oz) $7.99 Clam Chowder (16 oz) $9.99 Lentil Stew (20oz) $11.99 Roasted Chicken (19oz) $13.99 Spinach Lasagna (16oz) $14.99 Carnitas (20oz) $15.99 Atlantic Salmon (20oz) $20.99 Pulled Brisket (16oz) $21.49
The specialty plans also vary in price based on what meals you choose.
Meal Plan Meal Price Pre-Dialysis Couscous Prawns (11oz) $17.49 Low-Cholesterol Turkey Bolognese (14oz) $13.99 Celiac Zucchini Chicken (14oz) $14.99 Diabetic Southwest Tilapia (13oz) $15.99 Bodybuilding Teriyaki Chicken (20 oz) $15.99 Vegan Cauliflower Bean Blend $13.99 Paleo White Fish & Yam Mash (16oz) $16.99
First-time customers can use the code HEALTHY10 for $10 off their first order, but the service doesn't offer any other promotions or discounts. The box of 18 meals also has an additional shipping cost. Free delivery is offered for the box of 21 meals to certain states on the West Coast.
You can customize the meals you purchase as well.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
MealPro packaging
The meals are shipped with a thermal lining and dry ice to keep them cool in transit, and each individual meal is vacuum sealed. The shipping box is recyclable, and the company also offers the option to enroll in the 'Recapture and Reuse Return Label Program' in order to send back the thermal lining for reuse by the company. (If you want to enroll in that program, all you have to do is type 'Recapture & Reuse' into the delivery instructions field on your order.)
The food trays that hold each meal are recyclable and 'moisture resistant, oven- and microwave-safe,' according to MealPro's website.
What we ate and how we liked it
At the CNET office, we tasted five MealPro meals, and they were some of our favorites when compared to numerous other prepared meal kits we've tested. Here's everything we had.
Beef Barbacoa: I loved this meal. It was flavorful and the portion was enough for two people to share for lunch. I defrosted it in the microwave for 10 minutes, then heated it up for four minutes and it was ready to be eaten. The meat was tender and it paired perfectly with the refried beans and rice, which was perfectly cooked, too. I would have never guessed this meal was frozen before eating it.
The beef barbacoa was perfectly seasoned.
Corin Cesaric
Spinach Lasagna: This was another favorite of mine. It was also a large portion and had more than enough cheese. It was well-liked in the office, and even without a side, it felt like more than enough food for a satisfying meal.
This hearty lasagna was full of cheese and spinach and heated up perfectly.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
Pulled Brisket: This was another tasty meal served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I slightly preferred the flavor of the barbacoa over this brisket, but this meal was still nothing to scoff at, and everyone enjoyed it, too.
Carnitas: Our taste-testers agreed that although the rice and beans were flavorful and cooked well, the pork carnitas lacked flavor and could have used more seasoning. Overall, this was the least favorite meal in the bunch.
While the rice and beans were flavorful, the pork could have used more seasoning.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
Atlantic Salmon: Because this was heated up in a microwave, the salmon was slightly dryer than when served fresh, according to our taste testers. And although it looked like a well-plated meal, it could have benefited from more seasoning or being heated up in the oven instead.
Who is MealPro good for?
MealPro is clearly targeting the health and wellness crowd, and it's a great choice for people with specific diets or restrictions. Because the service also offers custom meals as an option, there is truly a meal for everyone.
It's also a great choice for anyone who is trying to cut down on the time they spend meal planning or for those who simply don't want to cook lunch or dinner.
Corin Cesaric/CNET
Who is MealPro not good for?
Compared to other prepared meal services like CookUnity and Factor, MealPro is quite a bit more expensive, and it doesn't follow a clear-cut pricing structure, so it might not be the best choice for someone on a strict budget. However, to me, the large portion size of these meals did help make up for the cost, especially if you can split a meal with another person or save it for a second meal the following day. Plus, when I compared it to your average lunch or dinner prices in NYC, it was still a steal in my eyes.
How we test meal kits or food services
Like all of the meal kits we've tested, we consider various factors, including the freshness, healthiness, taste, value and recipe variety. Using those metrics, we calculate the final score of the service.
We also test out how easy or difficult it is to use the website and look at the packaging and delivery.
Final verdict on MealPro
I personally enjoyed the taste and quality of these meals. They were some of the best-tasting premade meals that I've had. Dare I say the barbacoa was restaurant quality? I could see myself ordering these meals in the future to have a freezer full of quick lunch and dinner options on hand.
If there's a downside, it's that you have to order at least 18 meals per box, but because they are freezeable and vacuum-packed, they can stay fresh longer than some other options. (Up to six weeks in the freezer and four days in the fridge.) So you should have plenty of time to polish them off, especially if you're sharing with a spouse or family.
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Pyostomatitis vegetans Pyostomatitis vegetans (PSV) is a mouth rash that can happen if you have ulcerative colitis. PSV causes redness and many small yellow or white pus-filled sores. These sores can break open easily, causing swelling and thickening of your skin. The swelling can also create folds of skin. PSV usually affects the sides and roof of your mouth, but it may not be very painful. Angular cheilitis Angular cheilitis is a condition that affects the corners of your mouth. This area can come into contact with saliva and digestive enzymes, causing sores, redness, and painful cracks in the skin. In rare cases, angular cheilitis can cause scarring and discoloration or lead to a fungal infection. Angular cheilitis can vary with different skin tones. It can look pale rather than red on darker skin. Not getting enough vitamin B complex, vitamin B2, or vitamin B12 may also lead to angular cheilitis. 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"Keeping up with dental appointments, doing good brushing and flossing, and cleaning of the tongue is probably helpful," says Keyashian. He also recommends trying toothpaste and mouthwash without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Studies have shown that it can cause mouth sores. Chew carefully. You should also be careful to avoid biting your cheeks or lips, which can cause sores. Avoid eating spicy foods, which can irritate mouth sores. Also steer clear of acidic foods like citrus fruits. Canker sore treatment If you do have canker sores, you'll want to relieve the pain – quickly. Here are some ways to treat different types of ulcerative colitis mouth sores: For short-term relief, your doctor may prescribe steroid gels and numbing gels (lidocaine) to apply directly to the affected areas, according to Boden. If those treatments don't help, then your doctor may prescribe prednisone or corticosteroid pills or liquids, Keyashian says. 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There are also oral corticosteroids you can take in pill or liquid form. These types of treatments help reduce inflammation, according to Keyashian. Angular cheilitis treatment Treatments for angular cheilitis can help keep the corners of your mouth free of saliva and relieve inflammation. Your doctor may prescribe antifungal creams to apply to the affected areas. Antifungal lozenges, liquids, tablets, or gels can also treat oral thrush. This is a fungal infection that can happen in rare cases of angular cheilitis because of broken skin or vitamin deficiencies. Your doctor may recommend another topical along with the antifungal to bring down inflammation. A bacterial infection can sometimes be behind angular cheilitis. Antibacterial ointments can help treat the infection so it won't spread to other areas of skin. Applying petroleum jelly to your lips and the corners of your mouth can also help "to make sure that you're not losing moisture into the air," Boden says. 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And sometimes, replacing those vitamins can be helpful for improving mouth sores," Boden says. Some evidence shows that probiotics can relieve UC symptoms. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed oil/meal, may help lower inflammation in the body. Other healthy foods to add to your diet include starches that have been cooked and cooled or reheated, such as sweet potatoes and oatmeal. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables, either cooked or blended into smoothies. Try to avoid spicy and acidic foods, like sriracha and coffee. Keep your mouth healthy. Oral hygiene may help you avoid ulcerative colitis mouth sores. Brushing your teeth with a soft brush, flossing, and using SLS-free toothpaste and mouthwash may also reduce your risk of mouth sores, according to Keyashian. See your dentist regularly too. Stay hydrated. It's also a good idea to keep your body hydrated to maintain your overall health. Drink plenty of water every day. 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Autoimmune mouth sores can look like canker sores. Behcet disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause painful mouth ulcers that look like canker sores. Another autoimmune disease that can cause mouth sores is lupus. Lupus mouth sores may look red with a white line around the outside edge. What are the oral lesions linked to ulcerative colitis? The oral lesions that can come with ulcerative colitis are called aphthous ulcers or canker sores. Other mouth problems linked to UC are pyostomatitis vegetans (pus-filled sores and folds of skin in the mouth), angular cheilitis (sores in the corners of your mouth), and glossitis (a swollen tongue).
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Vitamin D and magnesium may get all the buzz, but vitamin E deserves attention too. This fat-soluble vitamin helps protect your body, supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation. And while most healthy adults can get enough of this key nutrient through food, the best vitamin E supplement can be a helpful tool for people with restrictive diets or those managing certain conditions. But first, what exactly is vitamin E? "Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals," says Lauren Manaker, RDN, LD and owner of Nutrition Now Counseling. "It also supports your immune system, helps maintain healthy skin and plays a role in keeping your blood vessels functioning properly." In other words? "Think of it as a protective shield for your body's cells," says Manaker. And that's not all. According to Seema Shah, RD and owner of SeemaShahRD Whole Nutrition, vitamin E may also reduce both the intensity and length of menstrual cramp pain. You can find vitamin E naturally in foods like nuts, seeds and plant-based oils, as well as supplements. While not necessary or appropriate for everyone, vitamin E supplements may be helpful for people with very restrictive diets, increased nutritional needs or certain conditions that affect the body's ability to digest and absorb fat, such as: Cystic fibrosis Crohn's disease Celiac disease Cholestasis Abetalipoproteinemia (a rare genetic disorder) Ataxia and vitamin E deficiency (AVED, an inherited disorder) Table of contents Best overall vitamin E supplement More vitamin E supplements we like for 2025 Comparison table How much vitamin E do you need? Synthetic vs. natural vitamin E: What's the difference? How to choose the best vitamin E supplement for you Potential side effects and safety concerns How we tested Other products we tested FAQs Meet our experts A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Best overall vitamin E supplement (back to top) More vitamin E supplements we like for 2025 (back to top) Comparison table Here's a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide which vitamin E supplement might be right for you: Form Dose Amount per serving Standout features Life Extension Super Vitamin E Soft gel 1 per day 268 mg Easy to swallow Third-party tested Affordable NOW Foods Vitamin E-200 Soft gel 1 per day 134 mg Affordable Easy to swallow ISO-certified labs Doctor's Best Vitamin E Soft gel 2 per day 13.4 mg Third-party tested Includes tocotienols The Vitamin Shoppe Dry Vitamin E Capsule 1 per day 268 mg Oil-free Vegan-friendly Third-party tested Affordable A.C. Grace Company Unique E Soft gel 1 per day 268 mg Third-party tested Includes mixed tocopherols Minimal odor Affordable (back to top) How much vitamin E do you need? For healthy adults, it's recommended to consume 15 mg of vitamin E per day, unless you're lactating, in which case your needs are slightly higher at 19 mg per day. The good news is that most healthy adults are able to meet this goal through foods like nuts, seeds, peanuts and some fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the best sources of vitamin E and how much of this key nutrient they provide: Sunflower seeds: 1 ounce = 7.4 mg (49% DV) Almonds: 1 ounce = 6.8 mg (45% DV) Sunflower oil: 1 tablespoon = 5.6 mg (37% DV) Peanut butter: 2 tablespoons = 2.9 mg (19% DV) Spinach: 1/2 cup cooked = 1.9 mg (13% DV) Kiwifruit: 1 medium = 1.1 mg (7% DV) Because vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, consuming excess amounts through supplements can be toxic. To reduce your risk of adverse effects, it's recommended to consume no more than 1,000 mg per day. (back to top) Synthetic vs. natural vitamin E: What's the difference? When shopping for supplements, it often feels like you need a dictionary — or good ol' Google — at your fingertips, and vitamin E supplements are no exception. Here are some terms you might come across, and what they actually mean: Tocopherols: Vitamin E isn't just a single nutrient — it's actually a whole family of antioxidant compounds. The most well-known members of this group are tocopherols, which come in several forms, including alpha, beta, gamma and delta. While alpha-tocopherol gets most of the spotlight (and is most common in supplements), blends that include other types may offer a wider range of antioxidant benefits. D-alpha tocopherol: Sometimes simply labeled as "natural vitamin E," d-alpha tocopherol is frequently found in vitamin E supplements and is the form that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is based on. It's typically derived from plant oils and is "better absorbed, recognized and utilized by the body compared to synthetic," says Shah. Gamma-tocopherol: Another natural form of vitamin E, gamma-tocopherol is widely found in the diet and may offer unique benefits for protecting against damage caused by free radicals. Tocotrienols: Tocotrienols are the other major group in the vitamin E family. Although they're not as common in our diets — or as well studied — as tocopherols, research shows promise. A 2022 article in BioFactors suggests that tocotrienols may help protect against certain types of cancer. Similarly, a 2023 review in Cureus found they might support heart health. While these early findings are encouraging, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of tocotrienols. Synthetic vitamin E (aka dl-alpha tocopherol): This form of vitamin E is made in a lab. While supplements containing this form are typically less expensive, synthetic vitamin E isn't as easy to absorb, meaning you may need to consume larger amounts to get the same benefits. (back to top) How to choose the best vitamin E supplement for you Not all vitamin E supplements are created equal, so knowing what to look for can help you choose a safe and effective option. Vitamin E type: Bioavailability matters when it comes to vitamin E, so it's worth choosing the natural form: Look for d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate on the label. These are better absorbed than the synthetic version, dl-alpha tocopherol, which your body doesn't use as efficiently. While some early research suggests that other natural forms of vitamin E might offer extra benefits, d-alpha tocopherol is the most studied — and it's the form used to set the RDA. Dose: Adults need 15 mg of vitamin E per day, yet many supplements provide well over this amount. To reduce the risk of side effects, look for supplements with 540 mg (800 IU) or less — and never more than 1,000 mg — of natural vitamin E per day, unless recommended otherwise by a health care professional. Supplement form: Vitamin E supplements typically come in pill form, with soft gels being more expensive, but generally easier to swallow than tablets. That said, liquid, chewable and gummy versions also exist. Ultimately, the best form is the one you can take safely and consistently. Other ingredients: Especially if you have food allergies or follow a specific diet, make sure to review the ingredient list to ensure a supplement fits your needs. Manaker also recommends avoiding products with unnecessary fillers or additives. In other words? The shorter the ingredient list, the better. Third-party testing: To ensure a supplement contains what it claims to on the label, look for products that have been tested for purity and potency, ideally by a third-party organization like United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF. Price: You don't need to splurge on the most expensive supplement. Instead, look for an option that fits your budget without compromising on key factors, like vitamin E type, ingredients and testing. (back to top) Potential side effects and safety concerns Vitamin E has a few important caveats to be aware of, as taking it in supplement form may not be safe or appropriate for everyone — especially when taken in high doses. It may increase bleeding risk: According to Dr. Erica Park, "taking high doses in supplement form, especially over 300 mg a day, can increase the risk of bleeding." For this reason, vitamin E supplements should not be combined with blood-thinning medications, like aspirin or warfarin, unless under medical supervision. It may interact with other medications: In addition to blood thinners, Park notes that vitamin E supplements may affect how well other medications, like tamoxifen or cyclosporine, work. "If you're on medications or going through cancer treatment, check with your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements," she says. It may cause side effects: Common side effects of vitamin E supplements include nausea, fatigue, headaches, diarrhea and stomach cramps. "Some people may also have skin reactions if using it in creams or oils," Park adds. It can be toxic: Excess vitamin E can build up in your body and have serious health consequences. To reduce this risk, avoid consuming more than 1,000 mg of vitamin E from supplements per day. (back to top) How we chose To guide the selection process, I consulted with two fellow registered dietitians and a medical doctor to get their expert take on what really matters when choosing a vitamin E supplement. As a registered dietitian myself, I also drew on my own clinical experience and knowledge of supplements to evaluate each product through both a scientific and practical lens. In total, I tested 18 vitamin E supplements from 11 different brands, reviewing each one carefully to bring you a list of the best options currently on the market. Since we couldn't directly test the long-term health benefits of each supplement (that kind of research would take months, if not years), we focused on practical factors you can evaluate right away, including: Ease of use: We evaluated how simple the packaging was to open, whether the instructions were clear and straightforward and how easy the soft gels or capsules were to swallow. Taste and aftertaste: We noted whether the supplement had any noticeable flavor or aftertaste and considered whether it might be unpleasant or off-putting for regular use. Form of vitamin E: We prioritized supplements that used the natural form of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) and noted when products included additional natural tocopherols, which may offer broader antioxidant support. Dosage appropriateness: We assessed whether the vitamin E dosage stayed within safe limits—ideally 540 mg (800 IU) or less per serving — to minimize the risk of side effects from long-term use. Ingredient quality: We reviewed the full ingredient list for unnecessary fillers, artificial additives or allergens that might limit suitability for people with specific dietary needs. Overall value: We compared cost per serving across products to determine which options delivered the best balance of quality and affordability. Testing and transparency: We looked for products tested for label accuracy and purity, giving preference to those with third-party certification for added trustworthiness. (back to top) Other products we tested Not every supplement we tested made the final cut, but several came close — and could still be a solid choice depending on your needs. Here's a quick look at the vitamin E supplements that just missed our top list: NOW Foods Vegetarian Dry E-400: This budget-friendly vitamin E capsule is a solid option for those needing a dry (aka oil-free) formulation. It scored high in our testing thanks to its ease of use, lack of fishy odor and affordability. All NOW supplements undergo extensive in-house testing at ISO-accredited labs. However, because it isn't third-party tested, The Vitamin Shoppe's Dry Vitamin E earned our pick as the "best oil-free." NOW Foods E-400 With Mixed Tocopherols: Like NOW Foods' Dry E, this supplement performed well during testing. However, it isn't third-party testing, and we simply liked other products more. NOW Foods Vitamin E Oil: This vitamin E supplement is affordable and could be a good alternative for those who dislike pills. However, it was challenging to determine the exact number of drops dispensed, making it difficult to know if I was taking an accurate dose. The Vitamin Shoppe E 268 mg (400 IU): At just $0.16 per serving, this supplement nearly made our list as "best affordable" thanks to its small, easy-to-swallow soft gels and third-party testing for purity and potency. It features highly bioavailable d-alpha tocopherol plus mixed tocopherols for broader antioxidant support, though specific amounts aren't listed. Aside from a mild fishy odor common in gelatin-based capsules, it's a user-friendly, budget-friendly pick for daily vitamin E supplementation. The Vitamin Shoppe High Gamma Vitamin E With Mixed Tocopherols: While we liked the formulation and found the soft gels easy to swallow, this supplement had a strong fishy odor that was hard to ignore. KAL Vitamin E 200 IU: Kal supplements is a lesser-known supplement brand. Based in Utah, products are manufactured in the United States and feature carefully selected ingredients. I liked how easy the brand's vitamin E 200 IU supplement was to take and its minimal ingredient list. However, the product contains gelatin and isn't third-party tested for purity and potency. KAL Vitamin E 400 IU: This supplement was also easy to take, but there were other, more affordable options in this dosage range that were third-party tested for label accuracy. KAL Vitamin E 1,000 IU: High-dose vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and are not recommended for most people. For this reason, they should only be taken under the guidance of a health care professional. If medically appropriate, this high-dose vitamin E supplement offers a potent, affordable and easy-to-swallow option with highly bioavailable d-alpha tocopherol. However, it's not third-party tested, has a mild fishy odor and isn't suitable for vegans. GNC Vitamin E: While very affordable, it contains the synthetic form of vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol), which is not as bioavailable. Nature's Bounty Vitamin E-1000 Pure dl-Alpha: Like the GNC supplement, this supplement contains the synthetic form of vitamin E, which is not as easily absorbed by the body. Metagenics Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols: There's a lot to like about this vitamin E supplement: Third-party tested for purity and potency, d-alpha-tocopherol, mixed tocopherols and relatively short ingredient list. However, it isn't vegan-friendly and is significantly more expensive than other supplements we tried. Standard Process Cataplex E: This supplement contains a blend of vitamin E and selenium, which work together to support overall health. However, the dose of vitamin E provided is quite small — just 3.3 mg or 22% of the daily value. While it might be helpful for bridging gaps in an otherwise healthy diet, you could easily get this amount from food rather than spending money on a supplement. Oleaphen High Phenolic Olive Oil: Oleaphen High Phenolic Olive Oil is specifically formulated to be high in vitamin E, delivering 140 mg per 5 mL serving, along with heart-healthy polyphenols and phytosterols. It's a flavorful, vegan-friendly way to add a nutritious drizzle of vitamin E to meals, though its strong peppery taste and high cost may not work for everyone. Still, it's an excellent option for those seeking a natural, whole-food approach to boosting vitamin E intake. (back to top) FAQs What is the best form of vitamin E for absorption? "The best-absorbed form of vitamin E is called d-alpha tocopherol," says Park, adding that this is the natural form your body prefers. "It's even better absorbed when taken with a meal that has some healthy fat," she explains, "like avocado or olive oil." Keep in mind that many vitamin E supplements contain oil or another source of fat. If you have a condition that affects fat absorption, look for products labeled as "dry" vitamin E, a fat-free formulation designed to be gentle on the stomach. Should I take vitamin E with food? Yes, for optimal absorption, vitamin E should be taken with food, ideally a meal containing some fat. This is because vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and requires fat for proper absorption in the body. (See our favorite healthy olive oils.) Can vitamin E help improve skin or hair health? Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and hair, largely thanks to its antioxidant properties. A 2021 review in PLOS One found that people with inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and acne often had lower blood levels of vitamin E. In such cases, supplementation may help support skin health. However, for otherwise healthy individuals, the benefits of oral vitamin E for skin aren't well established — and when it comes to hair, research hasn't shown that taking vitamin E supplements leads to noticeable improvements. Do vitamin E supplements increase the risk for prostate cancer? An older study from 2011, known as the SELECT trial, raised concerns after finding a 17% increased risk of prostate cancer in men who took vitamin E supplements regularly for seven years. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, there's still not enough solid evidence to say whether vitamin E supplements increase the risk of prostate cancer. For personalized guidance, talk with a health care professional to determine whether vitamin E supplements are appropriate for you — particularly if you have a history of prostate cancer or are at increased risk. (back to top) Meet our experts Lauren Manaker, RDN, LD and owner of Nutrition Now Counseling Seema Shah, registered dietitian and owner of SeemaShahRD Whole Nutrition Erica Park, MD, MBA, FAAPMR, board-certified physician (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Here's How Morning Sunlight Transformed My Sleep for the Better
Getting a good night's rest is vitally important for your health (mental and physical) as well as overall well-being. Of course, given how much current chaos is in the world, managing stress can be a challenge. The quality of your sleep and the amount of time you sleep each night matter. Stress can make it hard to find coping strategies, sometimes feeling overwhelming or impossible. This can also cause anxiety, which then further affects your sleep. Thanks to a recent CNET survey, we now know that US adults are willing to spend about $1,000 annually ($78 per month) to enhance their sleep quality. Over half, approximately 56%, have adopted coping strategies for their sleep difficulties. Additionally, 22% of them use some form of sleep technology to improve their rest. Although investing in a new mattress and bedding can be super helpful, there are also affordable alternative methods to achieve better sleep. Speaking for myself, I've never had a problem with falling asleep. It's the whole staying asleep that is my issue. I often wake up at odd hours with racing thoughts about tasks and previous failures, you know, the usual stuff. I have tried handling my anxiety with methods like reducing coffee, breathing exercises, meditation and eating well. While I saw some improvements, they weren't lasting. I then consulted Andrea Micheo, a holistic health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition -- to explore natural anxiety remedies. Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET Read more: Best Mattress for 2025 How morning sunlight affects your circadian rhythm A good night's sleep is essential for our health. One often overlooked factor in achieving quality sleep is exposure to sunlight in the morning. There are multiple benefits of getting sunlight first thing in the morning, such as boosting your mood and improving your quality of sleep. How? Great question. Let's get into it. We can't talk about morning sunlight and improved sleep hygiene without first addressing our circadian rhythm. This is the body's 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. It naturally responds to light and darkness, and it dictates when we get hungry, sleepy and ready to wake up. Think of it as an internal clock. According to Johns Hopkins, the SCN (or suprachiasmatic nucleus) is the area of your brain that controls your sleep-wake cycle. In the morning, your eyes sense the sunlight, and then the SCN triggers the release of cortisol to help wake up your body. Getting sunlight in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm as the light signals to your body and brain that it's time to start the day. When it gets dark at night, the SCN triggers the release of melatonin, which makes you sleepy. "About a year ago, I started getting sunlight first thing in the morning and at sunset as a means to regulate my circadian rhythm. Since then, I've ditched the melatonin and have been getting more quality sleep," said Micheo. nambitomo/Getty Images Our internal clock is most sensitive to light during three specific times of the day: During the first hour after waking up : In the morning, as you get exposed to sunlight, your body starts to suppress its melatonin production (sleepy hormone). : In the morning, as you get exposed to sunlight, your body starts to suppress its melatonin production (sleepy hormone). Approximately 2 hours before your bedtime : As it starts to get dark outside, your brain receives the signal that it's time to wind down and go to bed. : As it starts to get dark outside, your brain receives the signal that it's time to wind down and go to bed. During the night: The darkness continues to signal to the brain to keep us asleep. You can leverage these three stages of light to synchronize your circadian rhythm. Studies show that exposure to daylight not only improves sleep quality but can also help you fall asleep earlier. "I always recommend this time-efficient and cost-effective behavioral tool to all my clients and continue getting positive results and feedback," added Micheo. Read more: Circadian Rhythm: Here's How to Reset and Get Better Sleep Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET My sleep quality before and after getting morning sunlight I'm a decent sleeper: I prioritize sleep and usually get enough quality rest to wake up feeling refreshed the next day. When looking at the data from my Oura ring (a cool health and fitness tracker), my average sleep score is around 80, which Oura labels as "good." Here's my sleep data from the night before I incorporated getting sunlight into my morning routine. As you can see, I got almost 8 hours of sleep, but I had more wakeups than usual (restfulness). It took me 28 minutes to get to sleep (10 to 20 minutes is normal for most adults), and I didn't spend an ideal amount of time in deep sleep. The only thing I switched up in my morning routine was going for a 30-minute walk outside briefly after waking up. I didn't wear sunglasses or a hat to expose my eyes to the sun's first morning rays, but I did protect my skin with sunscreen. If you go outside later in the day, it's best to wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen. Read more: Best Sunscreen I didn't change anything else in my daily or night routine, and this is what I woke up to: The first thing I noticed was that I slept a whole hour more and that I experienced fewer wakeups during the night. I also spent more time in deep sleep, and it only took me 9 minutes to fall asleep. Nasha Addarich Martínez/CNET Did I feel any different? Besides feeling a little more energized, I didn't experience a huge shift. I am surprised that I noticed such a difference in my sleep quality in just one day of exposing myself to the morning sun. The initial results are pretty promising, and I plan to get sunlight most mornings to see if I see significant improvement in the long run. Guide to sunlight therapy in the morning There isn't a single right way to get sunlight in the morning; these general guidelines can help you maximize your time in the sun: Go outside within the first hour of waking up: Since your body is most sensitive to light right around when you wake up, it's a good idea to soak up some sunshine first thing in the morning. Since your body is most sensitive to light right around when you wake up, it's a good idea to soak up some sunshine first thing in the morning. Aim to spend at least 30 mins in the sun: According to Harvard Medical School, 30 minutes is the optimal time to spend in light. According to Harvard Medical School, 30 minutes is the optimal time to spend in light. Be sure to wear sunscreen: While the sun's UV radiation is less harmful in the morning than during the day, it's still a good idea to protect yourself with sunscreen. While the sun's UV radiation is less harmful in the morning than during the day, it's still a good idea to protect yourself with sunscreen. Talk to your doctor: Before trying out light therapy with the morning sun, be sure you talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for you. Tips to get more sunlight in the morning Now that we've discussed how morning sunlight can affect sleep quality, let's explore ways to get more sunlight. PeopleImages/Getty Images Rise with the sun: Waking up around sunrise can be a game-changer for your sleep. Aim to wake up early and catch the first rays of sunlight to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Waking up around sunrise can be a game-changer for your sleep. Aim to wake up early and catch the first rays of sunlight to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Open your curtains and blinds: One easy way of maximizing natural light in your home is to open your blinds and curtains. This allows the sunlight to provide a natural wake-up signal for your body. One easy way of maximizing natural light in your home is to open your blinds and curtains. This allows the sunlight to provide a natural wake-up signal for your body. Do outdoor activities in the morning: Whether it's going for a brisk walk or just stretching on your patio, exposure to natural light and physical activity can help you wake up naturally. Whether it's going for a brisk walk or just stretching on your patio, exposure to natural light and physical activity can help you wake up naturally. Eat breakfast by a window: If your mornings are limited and you can't find 15 extra minutes to get sunlight, try having your breakfast or coffee near a window. If your mornings are limited and you can't find 15 extra minutes to get sunlight, try having your breakfast or coffee near a window. Invest in a light therapy lamp: If you have limited access to natural sunlight or live in a region with overcast weather, consider a light therapy device that mimics the spectrum of natural light.
