Selenium

Selenium is Good For

Selenium is an essential mineral found in trace amounts in the human body. It works as an antioxidant, especially when combined with vitamin E, by scavenging damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. These particles occur naturally in the body but can damage cell membranes, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of conditions including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants such as selenium can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Selenium is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system and affects blood pressure and inflammation in the body.

Sources of Selenium

Brewer's yeast and wheat germ, liver, butter, fish (mackerel, tuna, halibut, flounder, herring, smelts) and shellfish (oysters, scallops and lobster), garlic, whole grains, sunflower seeds, and Brazil nuts are all good sources of selenium. Selenium is destroyed when foods are refined or processed. Therefore, eating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods is the best way to obtain this nutrient. This means eating foods in their original state, not canned, frozen, or commercially prepared. Deficiency is rare.