What made you want to look up alpha-tocopherol? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
On rest and recovery days it is important to avoid doing the worst thing you can do for your body... nothing. Examples of rest and recovery activities are walking, static stretch exercises (after a warm up and loosening up period), dynamic stretching, swimming, water running, and riding a bike.
If you're recovering from an injury and are eager to build strength, then look into starting a swimming routine to stay fit. If running is your passion, then swimming is a great way to work out on recovery days, granting knees a rest from the pavement. RELATED: 10 New Outdoor Workout Ideas.