Kitakini.news – Selenium is one type of mineral that the body needs in small amounts but has a large enough function. These nutrients cannot be produced independently by the body. Natural selenium is commonly found in foods such as beef, shellfish, chicken, eggs, and nuts.
Launch Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthSelenium is an essential mineral component of enzymes and proteins called selenoproteins. Some of the selenium that is consumed every day will be stored by the body in muscle tissue. In addition, this mineral is also stored in the thyroid gland.
Selenium needs per day can vary, depending on age and gender. Amounts ranging from 7 micrograms to 35 micrograms per day. The need for this nutrient is highest in pregnant and lactating women.
Functions of Selenium
Launch page compassThere are several benefits of selenium for the body, namely:
1. Ward off Free Radicals
Collect HealthlineSelenium is a mineral that acts as an antioxidant so that it can ward off excess free radicals. You need to know, free radicals are the cause of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s, to premature aging.
2. Lowers the Risk of Some Cancers
A study of 69 studies found that people who regularly consume foods high in selenium every day have a lower risk of breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers than people who rarely eat intakes containing this mineral.
3. Prevents Heart Disease
A diet high in selenium can also help maintain heart health. Selenium can reduce markers of inflammation in the body which is a major factor in heart disease.
4. Maintain Mental Health
Selenium deficiency can also increase the risk of several neurological diseases that cause mental health decline such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In addition, research also proves that giving a high intake of selenium can help improve memory in Alzheimer’s sufferers.
Maintain Body Endurance
5. Supports Thyroid Performance
The benefits of selenium function as supporting the performance of the thyroid gland. This mineral protects the thyroid from oxidative damage due to exposure to free radicals. Without this mineral, the performance of the gland that functions to produce thyroid hormones, regulate metabolism, and growth and development can be disrupted.
6. Maintain Body Endurance
The antioxidant role of selenium can also help the body’s natural immune system when dealing with bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. This substance can increase the immune response to rush against the culprit.
7. Relieve Asthma Symptoms
Selenium also has the potential to reduce asthma symptoms. To note, asthma is strongly associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. With the support of the antioxidant selenium, asthma symptoms can be reduced.
