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