Selenium
What Is It?
Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small
amounts. It is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are
important antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidant properties of this element help prevent
cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen
metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer
and heart disease. Other selenoproteins help regulate thyroid function and play a
role in the immune system.
Plant foods are the major dietary sources of this trace mineral in most countries throughout the
world. The content in food depends on the content of the soil
where plants are grown or animals are raised.
The Benefits
Source: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/selenium.asp
Much more than Selenium is discussed back at the Natural Source Vitamins Homepage
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