No Diet is Complete Without Trace Minerals. Part Six: (Selenium)

Unfortunately, Selenium has received a bad reputation as a toxic heavy metal; but this element is actually very important to good human health. Selenium is an important part of a molecule in the body that protects blood cells from certain damaging chemicals. Together with vitamin E, Selenium helps our immune system produce antibodies, which is obviously an immensely important task. Selenium helps keep the pancreas and heart functioning properly. A deficiency of this vital trace element has been linked to the development of leukemia, arthritis, and other diseases. Researchers have also found that the lower the concentration of Selenium in the blood stream, the higher the risk of developing many types of cancer. Selenium has a profound effect on the stabilization of DNA strands of tumor-suppressing proteins, proteins that keep tumors from growing in the body.

Selenium is a nutritionally essential trace element that naturally occurs in soil. It enters our bodies through our food (both plant and animal products) and, to a lesser extent, water sources. Plants absorb Selenium from the soil into their leaves, stems, seeds, and fruits. Animals eat plants containing Selenium and this is stored in their tissues. Some foods that are good sources of Selenium are grains grown in the Midwestern United States and animal meats. Certain foods like Brazil nuts are especially high in selenium.

Disclaimer: I am an avid reader with a craving for learning about life itself, especially when concerns health, happiness, outer and inner beauty. I am not a medical professional. I am just someone having a need to share what I’ve learned and discovered.

My Sources
Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients, by David Watts
Minerals For the Genetic Code, Charles Walters, Jr.
Dead Doctors Don’t Lie, by Joel D. Wallach and Ma Lan
Minerals, Trace Elements, and Human Health, by Alexander G. Schauss

For the complete book, “Oh! Feeling Pretty! Can Trace Minerals Fight Viruses, Prevent Cancer, and Other Ailments,” click on this link:
https://www.24symbols.com/book/x/x/x?id=3462493