The tocotrienols in vitamin E are known for their superior antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important for their ability to scavenge free radicals, which are damaging elements produced through natural metabolic processes or by environmental stress such as pollution and smoking. The structure of tocotrienols allows them particular effective access to the brain and liver. In addition to scavenging free radicals, the tocotrienols are also associated with reduced tumor formation, DNA damage and cell damage. Tocotrienols also demonstrated impressive results in lowering cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol ("bad"). This, in turn, helps promote heart health. Other investigations show that increased vitamin E intake was significantly associated with reduced risk for type 2 diabetes.