What Is Selenium?
What Is Selenium User For?
Selenium was discover in 1827 by swedish scientist Jons Berzeluis. He named it after the greek goddess of the moon "Selene". But the importance of these antioxidant minerals in humans was discovered in 1973. It is a trace mineral with great antioxidant power.
Trace Minerals In Food
But, what are trace minerals? We can distinguish two types of minerals:
- Macrominerals, which our body needs in larger amounts.
- Trace minerals, which our body needs in small amounts.
We need this antioxidant only in small amounts, but without it we couldn't survive or develop properly.It works together with
Vitamin E
and is an integral part of the enzyme
glutathione
peroxidase.
This trace element can be found in kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas. Apparently, men need more of this mineral than women, and is stored mostly in the testicles.
Selenium Benefits
- Keep us protected from the toxic effects of metals like cadmio, mercury, lead and arsenic.
- Protect cells from damage caused by oxidation and free radicals.
Helps defend our organism from several diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Heart related conditions
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cataracts
Other Benefits Of These Antiaging Minerals
It also improves:
- Fertility
- Immunity
- Brain function
- Aging skin
Our intake of this nutrient comes from the plants grown in soil and from animals. It varies depending in what part of the world we live. In some parts of the world the soil is deficient in this mineral. These parts are:
- China
- New Zealand
- Finland
Whereas other parts have high levels like in:
Deficiency is rare but can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Muscular weakness
- Heart disease
- Immunity problems
Too much selenium is also rare, but high dosages of this trace mineral could lead to:
- Hair and nail loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Garlic odour breath
It is sold in supplements, in the form of tablets and pills and sometimes together with other antioxidants like vitamin e.Our organism need only small amounts of this mineral, and we will be able to get it from a healthy and balanced diet, however if you are thinking in supplementing your diet with tablets, it is advised that you consult your doctor or nutritionist first. If you want to know foods containing this mineral go to
skin vitamins
.
Is this antiaging mineral good for
aging skin
?
- This antiaging mineral has a powerful antioxidant action, and like all antioxidants it helps the skin fight
free radicals
.
- Improves the skin's elasticity.
- Delays aging skin.
- It is also good for the hair and nails
- Treats and prevents dandruff.
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