SELENIUM

A Special Friend to Women

Selenium acts as a micronutrient or trace element in the human body. Its content of water varies even more greatly. The amount present in foods also varies widely. Males appear to have a greater need for this mineral. About half the supply of their bodies is concentrated in the testicles and parts of the seminal ducts adjacent to the prostrate gland.

Selenium is a grey, crystalline element of the sulphur group. It is an antioxidant and its biological activity is closely related to vitamin E. It is excreted in the semen.

Functions in the Body

Selenium acts with vitamin E as a non-specific antioxidant to protect cell membranes and tissues. Both of them prevent or slow down the ageing process and hardening of tissues. Selenium aids in maintaining youthful elasticity in tissues.

Sources

Wholegrain cereals like wheat germ, barley, and whole wheat bread are the best sources of selenium.

Deficiency Symptoms

Low levels of selenium put people at higher risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases and other conditions associated with increased free-radical damage, including premature ageing and cataract formation.

Healing and therapeutic Properties

Selenium has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of Keshan disease. This is a syndrome endemic to the Keshan province in China where the soil is deficient in selenium. Keshan disease is characterised by degeneration of the muscle fibres of the heart. During their child-bearing years, women are particularly susceptible to this disease. Selenium binds cadmium and other metals and mitigates their toxic effects.