Selenium was discovered by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1817. It was named after Selen the Greek goddess of the moon. Over the years it has been found to have a number of health benefits. In fact, it is considered essential for cellular function in humans and animals. Additionally, selenium is known to be a powerful antioxidant.
The Health Benefits of Selenium
Known positives of this trace mineral are:
- It helps the body’s cells grow and die at normal rates. This is thought to help prevent some cells from becoming cancerous.
- It is thought to be good for eye health, protecting them from macular degeneration and cataracts in particular
- Some studies show that it is good for heart health, and that it helps to prevent clotting of the blood
- It helps to boost the immune system
- It contributes to creating a better ratio between good and bad cholesterol
- It is known to help protect against a number of cancers including those of the pancreas, liver and cervix
Selenium and the Skin
There is some belief that increased intake of selenium is linked to a decreased incidence of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. This of course does not mean that individuals should increase their selenium intake for two reasons. The first is that too much selenium can be toxic and this can lead to a condition called selenosis. Its symptoms include:
- A garlic odour on the breath
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Irritability
The second reason why increased consumption is not recommended is that the majority of people get enough selenium in their diets.
Food Sources of Selenium
This powerful antioxidant is readily available in many of the foods we eat. The level varies depending on the amount that is present in the soil. Good sources include:
- Oysters
- Tuna
- Nuts
- Wheat flour
- Rice
- Chicken
- Pork
Most experts suggest that countries where the population is well nourished don’t need any extra amounts of this mineral. Given the number of health benefits however, it is certainly wroth exploring. The best choice is perhaps a multivitamin that contains a small amount of selenium. The recommended daily allowance for men is 70 mcg men and 55 mcg for women. It is safe to take selenium in supplement form as the dosage is normally too low to have a negative effect.
There have been some controversies regarding the benefits of selenium, and some tests in certain areas have so far proven inconclusive. While it seems to decrease the risk of developing a number of cancers, there is a belief that it may slightly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. This does not suggest that anyone should avoid selenium.
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