An incredibly powerful mineral. If you are not getting enough, you will notice it in your lackluster skin and energy levels. Even though we require only a small amount daily, selenium plays a key role in body metabolism. It is present in human tissue, mostly in the skeletal muscle. The antioxidant properties in selenium protect cell damage. Free radicals help protect the body from disease. Selenium helps reduce oxidative stress, by neutralising the free radicals.

Your body cannot make selenium and you need to source this valuable trace mineral from your diet and supplements. Without selenium your internal organs, joints and immune system can suffer. It is the liver that synthesizes and exports selenium to circulate through the bloodstream.

Selenium, found in soil, is one of the ESSENTIAL minerals our body sources from food. Fruits and vegetables grown decades ago were decidedly richer in vitamins and minerals. Modern, intensive farming methods have stripped the soil of nutrients, in which grows the food we eat. Farmers get bigger crops with larger yields due to new varieties of hybrids, but their ability to uptake nutrients from the depleted soil cannot keep pace with the rapid growth. Hence the need to supplement your daily intake.

Thyroid gland tissue contains the highest amount of selenium than any other organ of the body. Low selenium levels cause conditions like Hasimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Also, HIV, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Crohn’s are diseases associated with low selenium levels along with asthma, arthritis, dandruff and infertility.

Did you know?

Selenium is one of the 7 collagen peptide building blocks in plant-based collagen – Are you starting to see why this mineral is an ESSENTIAL one? Selenoproteins are a family of proteins that contain selenium in the form of an amino acid and selenium in necessary for the body to produce the selenoproteins.

Other benefits of selenium.

• Inflammation reduction

• Promotes thyroid function and health

• Can help alleviate sleep disorders

• Neuroprotective benefits

• Immunity booster

• Airway inflammation reduction

• Enhances mood

• Heart health support

• Glowing skin

• Protection from oxidation and free radical damage

See what I mean! Selenium is an ESSENTIAL mineral. Some other minerals that we simply cannot do without are: – sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, iron, zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, fluoride and chromium.

The Mediterranean diet has been linked with lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s, because it is rich in high-selenium foods like Brazil nuts and seafood. The major food sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, seafood, grains, chia & sunflower seeds, mushrooms, brown rice, poultry, fish, green vegetables and eggs.

In conclusion, a promising strategy to support your aging body is to avail yourself of a purposeful selenium supplement and combine the above list of foods into your daily meals. By maintaining the recommended daily intake of selenium, you can achieve a youthful appearance and inner good health.