We Know: All About SeleniumWhat Is Selenium?Selenium is one of several trace elements that humans need in order to thrive. It's related to sulfur, and is also the primary active ingredient in Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo. What Does Selenium Do In The Human Body?Selenium is a critical component of the amino acid (part of a protein) selenocysteine (sometimes these are called "selenoproteins"). It has not been studied extensively, but in 1996 a correlation between taking selenium and cancer prevention in humans was demonstrated. This doesn't mean you should go out and take megadoses; selenium in more than trace amounts is also a potent poison with effects similar to arsenic. When used properly, selenium is a free radical eliminator and antioxidant, and is helpful in the proper functioning of the thyroid glands. There is some evidence that selenium can prevent or help fight a number of diseases, including AIDS. There is also evidence that selenium may help fight heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Selenium generally comes from eating cereals, meat, meat, fish, eggs, liver, and Brazil nuts (which are exceptionally high, with as much as seven times the RDA per ounce). Plants grown in northern Nebraska and the Dakotas are naturally very high in selenium. What Else Should I Know About Selenium?Selenium is present in a concentrated form in the soil around locoweed, which causes strange effects in animals that eat it. Though selenium deficiency is rare, it does occur in people with compromised intestinal function, such as Crohn's disease or stomach stapling, or other nutritional problems. The RDA is 55 micrograms per day; more than this can lead to toxicity. Some link has been shown between selenium-deficient soil in sub-Saharan Africa and a higher incidence of AIDS infection; AIDS seems to rob the body of selenium. For this reason, it may be a good idea for HIV-positive patients to take selenium supplements. Other Uses for SeleniumSelenium is used in many industries for:
|
|||||
|
|
|||||