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Selenium
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Selenium is a vital antioxidant
that acts synergistically with
Vitamin E. It is found in all the tissues of the body, but is
most concentrated in the kidneys, liver, pancreas and testicles. |
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The amount of Selenium we
consume in our diet depends on the amount found in the soil where the
food is grown. The Selenium content of soil varies greatly, but many
areas are showing serious depletion of this vital mineral. Livestock
feeding on land that is low in Selenium are also effected. Cattle and
sheep in New Zealand, where the Selenium content of the soil is low,
have suffered from a breakdown of muscle tissue, including heart muscle.
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| How
Selenium helps you |
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Helps to keep the
immune system strong by preventing the formation of free
radicals which damage the body. |
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Aids in the
production of antibodies |
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Helps maintain a
healthy heart. |
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Required for
pancreatic function. |
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Helps maintain
tissue elasticity. |
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May help to slow
down the aging process. |
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Studies have found
that Selenium deficiency can increase the incidence and rate
of growth of cancer. Studies also show that a high intake of
Selenium can protect against cancers. |
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Studies have shown a
link between low levels of Selenium and a high rate of heart
disease. Eastern Finland has one of the highest death rates
from heart disease. Research showed a low level of Selenium
was associated with a sevenfold increased death rate from
heart disease. Further studies showed that individuals
suffering from heart disease responded well to Selenium
supplementation. |
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Studies have linked
low levels of Selenium with arthritis. A combination of
Selenium and vitamin E has also been shown to enhance
conventional arthritis treatments.. |
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Symptoms of
Deficiency May Include:
Muscle weakness and discomfort,
high cholesterol, frequent infections, poor liver and pancreas function,
sterility in men.
Selenium deficiency has also been linked to increased levels of cancer
and heart disease. |
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Natural
Sources - as
noted above this depends on the soil content
Meat, seafood, organ meat,
chicken, whole grains, seeds, Brazil nuts, brewers yeast, brown rice,
molasses |
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| Important |
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Selenium functions
best when combined with vitamin E |
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Some experts
recommend an intake of 100 - 200 mcg per day. For people
living in low Selenium areas, and for cancer prevention,
scientists suggest an intake of up to 400 mcg. |
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Refining food strips
much of it's Selenium. Cooking, especially if the cooking
water is discarded, also greatly reduces the Selenium content. |
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