Health Benefits of Selenium
August 13, 2009
To stay healthy our body needs small amounts of certain minerals. Selenium is one such trace mineral that our body needs for manufacturing selenoproteins.
Selenoprotein is a powerful antioxidant enzyme, which prevents oxidation of free radicals. Selenoprotein is also required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and for strengthening the immunity of your body.
Sources of selenium
Selenium is present in the soil and water. Plant foods are the best sources of selenium. However, plants growing in selenium deficient soil might lack this mineral. Animals feeding on plants that grow in selenium rich soil are also sources of this trace mineral. Selenium could also be obtained from seafood. Common sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, garlic, radish, alfalfa, onion, fennel seeds, whole grains, liver and fish. Our body needs between 40 and 70 micrograms of selenium everyday.
Prevention for prostate cancer
According to studies, selenium could prevent prostate cancer. Selenium supplements could reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men whose baseline prostate specific antigen and baseline blood selenium levels are not more than 4ng per ml and 123.2ng per ml respectively. However, a recent University of California study has suggested that high selenium level could worsen the condition of men who are already suffering from prostate cancer.
Asthma remedy
According to studies, selenium could reduce the symptoms of asthma.
Cures burns
Intake of selenium along with zinc and copper accelerate repair of damaged cells. This trace mineral helps to speed up healing of burn injuries.
For hair
Hair care products that contain selenium could reduce dandruff.
Recent studies have found evidence of the insulin-like function of selenium. It helps in glucose absorption. Selenium intake could also prevent the side effects of diabetes, such as neuropathy and retinopathy.
For eyes
Selenium is good for the eyes. According to some studies, this trace mineral could prevent development of cataracts.
Arthritis remedy
The antioxidant property of selenium is effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Mental health
Selenium improves mental health. It could be beneficial for treating depression, anxiety and fatigue. Progression of Alzheimer’s disease could be arrested with selenium.
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