Sweet red peppers, sunflower seeds, and mango chunks atop a bed of spinach sure make for a yummy salad. But could it make you strong like Popeye, too?

According to research, it very well might. Especially if you're over 65. You see, each of those salad ingredients is rich in vitamin E. And seniors who get the most E test best on physical tasks, like how fast they can walk or how quickly they can get up out of a chair.

Why Your Body Needs It
The cells of your body can be damaged by certain by-products released during normal, everyday body functions. But vitamin E helps protect against that damage -- including damage to muscle cells. That may partly explain why not getting enough E puts physical function and strength at risk in seniors. (Here's another way to shore up your strength: the YOU2 Workout.)

Should You Supplement?
The RealAge recommended dose of vitamin E is 400 international units per day. If you're not getting what you need from your food, consider adding a supplement. Check if you're getting enough from your diet with this quick questionnaire.

3 More Reasons to Get Your "E"
E is not just a strength saver. Here’s what else it can do for you -- at any age:

• Boost your brain. Here's the story on E and other brain pills.
• Protect you from Parkinson's. Here's the scoop on this benefit.
• Prevent atherosclerosis from getting worse. Learn how artery hardening sets the stage for a stroke or heart attack.

Find more good food sources of vitamin E with this online tool.