Selenium as an essential nutrient, not synthesized in our bodies rather obtained from external sources, is a trace element, one that can be found in certain foods, in the soil and in water.

Selenium is an element of high value to our health, its anti-oxidant properties plays a critical role in selenium’s function as a protective against infection and oxidative damage.
Selenium also plays a role in reproduction, the synthesis of DNA and in thyroid hormone metabolism.

Facts About Selenium
Selenium

As an anti-oxidant element, selenium is believed to prevent vision loss, heart diseases and cancer development, it reduces the risk of dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
And here are the reasons why YOU SHOULD make sure to have enough selenium in your body.

  • Benefits and uses of selenium:


    For cancer prevention:
    Due to its anti-oxidant properties and its effects on DNA, and on the immune system, selenium is believed to reduce the risk of cancer.
    Studies have shown a relation between high levels of selenium and a lower risk of cancer development, especially gastro-intestinal cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.
    And another relation between selenium and a lower cancer mortality risk.

    For prevention of cardiovascular disease:
    Selenium plays a role in the prevention of cardiac problems, by reducing the aggregation of platelets responsible for blood clots which ultimately leads to the prevention of stroke, kidney problems, heart attacks and others.
    However, the relationship between selenium and cardiovascular disease is controversial, some studies suggest a correlation between high levels of selenium and a low risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease, whereas other studies suggest differently either by not finding any relations between selenium and cardiac health or by suggesting that higher levels of selenium might in fact contribute to the risk of heart diseases.

    For dementia and cognitive function:
    There is thought to be a link between the lower levels of selenium in aging individuals and the age associated decline in cognitive function.

    For thyroid function:
    Selenium plays an important role in both synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormone, being more concentrated in the thyroid gland rather than any other organ of the body, which is why it’s believed there is a link between decreased levels of selenium and the development of goiter and thyroid damage, however the evidence is yet to be conclusive as to its use as a supplement in fighting thyroid problems, more studies and research are still much needed to provide such evidence.

    For prevention of HIV progression:
    Selenium is found to have significantly lower levels in HIV patients as the infection progresses, several studies have shown a link between higher levels of selenium in HIV patients and a slower progression of both the symptoms of HIV and the replication of HIV infected cells.
    Studies have also shown a relation between selenium and a stronger immune system, and a lower level of HIV virus in blood.

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  • Some Facts About Selenium:

    • Cigarette smokers and alcohol consumers tend to have lower levels of selenium.
    • Some conditions might interfere with the absorption of selenium in the body such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
    • Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug also decreases the levels of selenium in the body.
    • Our bodies only need a trace quantity of selenium, if taken in higher concentration it might lead to poisoning.