The mineral selenium is probably our most important antioxidant nutrient, and few of us are getting enough of it! This is the opinion shared by many nutritional experts. Concern that many of us are not getting adequate amounts of this vital nutrient (due to soil depletion and food production processes), is being echoed worldwide.
We know that modern eating habits promote nutrient deficiencies too, so it's fairly reasonable to assume that most of us would benefit from adding selenium to our daily supplement intake. Finland, New Zealand, and parts of Australia and the United States are known to have low selenium levels.
Research has found that without the protection that optimum amounts of selenium provides, our defenses are severely compromised, leaving us open to conditions such as heart disease, hardening of the arteries, rheumatoid arthritis, and other oxidation-related afflictions. Also, our immune defenses are left vulnerable to invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. Some studies suggest taking supplemental selenium as a precautionary measure, may prevent the herpes and hepatitis viruses from getting a hold.
Humans require adequate amounts of selenium to stay healthy. Doses of up to 400mcg a day of selenium have been found to be safe, and it is highly probable that supplementing with 200mcg a day will help us stay well. Despite all the 'wonders' of so called "modern medicine" statistics tell us we are not winning the war when it comes to the chronic health conditions so prevalent in western society. Many experts share the view that mineral depletion (amongst other things) plays a large part in the increasing rates of debilitating chronic illness.
Over farming and inorganic fertilizers are responsible for worldwide soil mineral depletion, and this means that many of us are not getting anywhere near the amounts of selenium (amongst other nutrients) required for good health. In New Zealand and parts of Australia and the United States, soils are so low in selenium that many of us are at risk of serious selenium deficiency, with the associated health problems. Therefore supplementing with selenium is vital if we are maintain or elevate our health, let alone stave off killer conditions like cancer and heart disease as we age - statistics show these conditions steadily increasing worldwide.
Selenium is a potent antioxidant, which binds with unstable molecules in our cells, preventing them researchers believe, from damaging cells and thus potentially causing cancer.
Studies have suggested that it can reduce the likelihood of other types of cancer, and some have linked it to a lowered chance of heart disease.
Studies show that a sufficient selenium intake may lower the risk of prostate, breast, colorectal and lung cancers. In addition to its excellent cancer fighting abilities, many studies also show that selenium's antioxidant properties may also fight autoimmune disorders and help increase insulin efficiency. Other research has concluded that selenium may be able to stop viruses from mutating and becoming more potent. Clearly, the importance of selenium in our diets can't be overstated.
Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium, but the amount of selenium in any plant depends on the selenium content of the soil it's grown in. So while garlic tends to contain good amounts of this mineral, the amounts vary depending on the soil the garlic is grown in.
Selenium is also essential for healthy immune functioning. As a result, selenium supplementation has reduced the incidence of hepatitis in deficient populations. Even in a non-deficient population of elderly people, selenium supplementation has been found to stimulate the activity of white blood cells —primary components of the immune system. Selenium is also needed to activate thyroid hormones. ©2008 seleniumhealth.com All rights reserved.
