The benefits of Selenium, a trace mineral which is required in small amounts in the body, are numerous. Selenium is integrated with proteins and form seleno-proteins, which are vital antioxidant enzymes.
Nutritional Benefits
Among the benefits of selenium is the ability to help you fight against cancer and heart diseases. It has also been helpful in controlling gastrointestinal disorders and enhancing the immunity of the human body. Selenium is present in almost every cell of the body but there are certain parts like spleen, liver, kidneys, pancreas, where higher concentrations of this mineral is found. There are many ways to include selenium in your diet, and natural cures are available for eliminating selenium deficiency. This element naturally occurs in staple crops like wheat, soybean and corn. Selenomethionine serves as a tool for the storage of selenium in the organs and tissues of the body.
Health Benefits
Selenium assists in reducing diseases due to aging. Some health benefits of selenium include the following:
- The combination of selenium with oxygen makes glutathione, which acts as potent antioxidant.
- It acts as detoxifier. Remember, however, that this element needs to be taken in moderate amounts to avoid selenium toxicity in the body.
- It helps in the prevention of deposits in arteries, ensuring consistent blood flow. This keeps the cardiovascular system intact.
- Selenium is an anti-oxidant for sperm cells. The structural integration of sperms is maintained and they are safeguarded from damage, increasing male fertility.
- Selenium is involved in maintaining the body’s immune system.
- It helps to prevent cancer because of its antioxidant and detoxification properties.
- Selenium is involved in brain functioning, and helps to get rid of depression and mood swings.
- It assists correct functioning of the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of Deficiency
A deficiency of selenium is harmful to the aged and aging. It can induce problems related to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Facts about selenium show that the lack of this mineral prohibits the formation of glutathione due to which oxidation becomes problematic. There are issues related to blood flow, and consistency for maintaining intact cardiac cells.
The main symptom of deficiency of this mineral is that people can get any diseases related to heart or immunity of the body. Cancer cells also multiply with its deficiency. It can cause improper working of thyroid glands, and also cause depression and mood variations.
Food Sources
While it is essential to the body, it should be taken in smaller, yet adequate amounts in order to draw the benefits of selenium. There are many vegetables including plant foods, which contain this element. The selenium in food is dependent on the content of the soil in which plants are grown. You can find selenium in the following food sources:
- wheat
- corn
- soybeans
- rice
- Seafood
- egg
- chicken
- meat
- brazil nuts (extremely high in selenium)
Precaution
It is quite important to consume selenium in moderate dosages (as per dosage instruction), as excessive intake can cause selenium toxicity – and can have adverse effects on the body. Selenium toxicity symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Hair loss
- Sloughing off of nails
- Garlic breath
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Neurological problems
- Pulmonary edema
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Death
Selenium toxicity can be very serious, so it is especially important that if you are considering taking selenium supplement you check with your physician.
