Selenium is a trace element which is naturally found in soil and also in certain foods and water. Even though our bodies have a small requirement of this mineral, it plays a key role in many healthy processes that our systems perform. Again, since it is an essential nutrient, it cannot be produced internally by our bodies and thus has to be consumed via external dietary sources.
To say that this mineral is important, would be an understatement. Essentially, It has attracted a lot of attention because of the anti-oxidant properties that it possesses. The benefits thus include the ability to fight the aging processes and help the immune system by reducing free radical damage. It has a synergistic effect with other antioxidants like Vitamin E, enabling the body to fight oxidative stress and to defend against cancers like prostate and colon cancer. Interventions using selenium treatments at high doses have shown that selenium benefits anti-cancer abilities within the body and some studies show that this mineral is effective in reducing the risk of cancer incidence, cancer caused mortality and severity of cancers. It is also involved in the production of prostaglandins in the body, which regulate inflammation and may reduce inflammation related to Rheumatoid arthritis. It helps maintain the function of the thyroid gland, which plays an important role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It is also clear from research and studies that selenium supplements or an increase of selenium-rich foods may be able to help prevent coronary heart disease. Thus, it is quite important for maintaining a healthy and long life.
The daily recommended intake, in adults, is around 55 micrograms. Pregnant and lactating mothers are advised to consume 60 and 70 micrograms daily, respectively. Even though the amount of this mineral in grains and grain-based foods largely depends on this minerals content of the soil in which they are grown, there are various other food sources which are naturally rich in this mineral – Brazil nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds, walnuts, liver, fishes like salmon, tuna, herring and cod, oysters, lobsters and beef or poultry. Whole foods are also good sources of selenium, but they must be cooked delicately to ensure that the content of this mineral is not destroyed during processing or during the employment of any specific cooking method.
Worldwide, Its deficiency is very rare and is usually found only in regions with severely lower content in their soil. It is also commonly seen that vegetarians or vegans may suffer from a selenium deficiency due to the lack of meat or fish in their diets. However, it is important to note that even though it is important for our immunity and health, consuming it in excessive levels can have its fair share of side effects like bad breath, fever, nausea or even liver, kidney and heart problems. Thus, the content of the intake of this mineral should always be monitored and it should not be consumed in isolation without proper guidance.
As mentioned previously, the benefits of this mineral can moderately decline if the food sources are excessively cooked or processed. Thus, we at Healthy World, strive to provide a range of those food items, which have been handled with care during processing and manufacturing, to ensure that no value of the mineral is lost during intermediate processes. Our range includes sunflower seeds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, wheat pasta, brown rice, oats, semolina-based foods, and mushrooms. We also offer nutritional supplements in the form of tablets or pills which act as an alternative to food sources of selenium.
Thus, we can boost immunity and energy to keep ourselves healthy and avoid diseases like cancer by including this essential mineral in our daily diets.
