Selenium

What is selenium? Selenium is a trace element that is necessary by humans for proper health functions within the body. One of the many benefits of selenium is that it helps the immune system to function properly, which can fend off many illnesses and diseases. Along the same note, a selenium deficiency will cause a viral infection to be stronger and last longer in the body. With these facts about selenium, it’s easy to see why it is important to reach the RDA of this mineral.

There are constant and ongoing studies to determine exactly what other benefits can be achieved with selenium, and one of these studies points to positive results that selenium can impact the prevalence of cancer. Selenium and HIV impact has also been studied with promising results. Selenium also offers the benefit of helping to ward off heart disease as well. Unfortunately, one of the downfalls of selenium is that there is a high level of selenium toxicity. To avoid selenium overdose, you can view selenium charts that list the RDA for individuals of varying ages. Knowing what the daily limits of selenium, and keeping natural sources of selenium or selenium supplements under this amount can prevent selenium poisoning, which can be very dangerous. Symptoms of an overdose of selenium can include brittleness and loss of hair and nails, skin rashes, stomach problems, and nervous system problems.

The richest natural selenium source is organ meats and seafood. Selenium in yeast is also common, particularly in yeast that has been enriched with the mineral. Some nuts also contain selenium, and one of the interesting selenium facts about which type of meats contain it is that the meats that consist of the most selenium are those which need it for survival. The types of foods that do not need selenium typically do not offer it as a nutrient. Milk also offers selenium, and there are many types of vegetables that are selenium-enriched. These are not always recommended, however, because studies have shown that the type of selenium produced once the vegetable has been enriched with this mineral is one which causes tumor growth or enhances existing tumor growth. This is why it is recommended that selenium come from natural sources, particularly seafood such as shrimp, crab meat and halibut. There are a variety of other types of seafood that offer selenium as well, and enough can be obtained through these natural sources, that it is unnecessary to intake foods that have been supplemented with it.