We all know that smoking is bad for our health and in particular the lungs. However, smoking’s effect on the body reaches further than just the lungs and is the cause for many diseases in the body. Many of these conditions result not necessarily from the act of smoking, but from the fact that smoking causes the body to use its stores of vitamins much more quickly.The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University has shown that vitamin E disappears more quickly in those who smoke versus those who do not. This is believed to be one of the many reasons that smoking causes cancer.Research was performed on a controlled group of smokers and non-smokers. Their diet and other factors were very similar. The study monitored the two group’s levels of vitamin E throughout the study. It was found that smokers experienced a 13% decrease in the levels of vitamin E in their blood plasma levels.The study also demonstrated that it is important for people to supplement the antioxidants vitamin E, as well as vitamin C. This is because the study also showed how depleted levels of vitamin C also caused the body to experience faster depletion of vitamin E.Researchers believe that this information shows how smoking might cause cancer, as vitamin E and C are antioxidants. Antioxidants fight the free radicals that cause cells to malfunction. These malfunctioning cells develop into cancerous tumors and growths.Because cigarette smoking is an oxidant, the body develops free radicals quickly. Compound this with the other toxins and pollutants in the environment, the body is likely to experience more oxidative stress as well as cell mutations. Both of these factors lead to an increase in diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. All smokers should supplement themselves with vitamin E and C in order to fight the oxidation process if they cannot quit smoking.<Photo credit: vapenewsmagazine.com>