Totallyveganbuzz .com featured the trace element selenium and its importance to the proper functioning of the human body.
Photo credit: Mehran B
Excerpts from the story:
“Don’t underestimate Selenium’s powers; it’s an essential nutrient and critical for the proper functioning of our bodies. According to The Royal Society of Chemistry, our bodies contain around 14 milligrams (0.014 grams) of selenium. However, every single cell in our body contains more than a million selenium atoms.
“The micronutrient is important for our body’s defense mechanism, aka the immune system. It helps to form protective antioxidants, which can prevent damage to cells and tissues. It is also involved in DNA synthesis. Plus, our heart, thyroid, and reproductive organs also bank on selenium for optimum functioning. The recommended daily intake of selenium for adult males is 75 ug and for females 60 ug.
“The trace mineral is found primarily in Earth’s soil where it is unevenly distributed as a result of ancient volcanic eruptions. This is why intake varies widely around the world and even the same crops grown in different parts of the world will have different levels of the mineral. So, if the selenium content of the soil is low, it can put the people in that area at higher risk of selenium deficiency regardless of the diet they are on. Selenium is available in a host of plant-based options. Brazil nuts, cereals, and grains are the richest sources of selenium. Other selenium-rich foods include green and brown lentils, couscous, barley, mushrooms, wholemeal bread, pasta, basmati rice, brown rice, and cashew nuts. Foods such as kidney beans, baked beans, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pecans, flax seeds, and soya milk also have selenium levels, albeit, in smaller quantities.
“The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends avoiding a selenium supplement unless there is evidence of a deficiency. However, if your diet does not include foods containing selenium, it is highly advised to consult a healthcare expert to see whether selenium supplementation is required for you.” (Mohsina Dodhiya, totallyveganbuzz.com)
Read the full story here: https://www.totallyveganbuzz.com/health/what-is-selenium-and-are-you-getting-enough-of-it-as-a-vegan/