Selenium: Best Mineral for Fighting Cancer

Image provided by Sebastian Bergmann
Selenium is a mineral that is very toxic to cancer because it has very strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important for protecting cells from getting damaged by free radicals because they can neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electron. Free radicals are basically molecules that had loss an electron. Molecules with an unpaired electron are very reactive because they are out of balance. Therefore, they like to bounce around the body and steal electrons from other molecules. This can cause a chain reaction within the body that can damage cells and DNA. Free radicals are one of the major causes of cancer and chronic diseases. According to independent researchers, over 95 percent of Americans don’t consumed enough selenium. They suggested that if Americans increased their selenium intakes to about 200 microgram (mcg) per day, they would reduce their cancer cases by nearly 50 percent or more. Some researchers even suggested that selenium can reverse the symptoms of AIDS. You can read more about it here.

One of the features that makes selenium very effective at fighting cancer is that it stimulates the body to produce a powerful enzyme called glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme protects the body by reducing oxidative damage which is one of the core causes of cancer. Glutathione peroxidase also helps the body to detoxify environmental toxins, such as heavy metals, phthalates and pesticides. Because selenium has such strong antioxidant properties, people who have low levels of selenium have higher risks of cancer, poorer resistance to viruses and bacteria, and lower levels of T-cells. To increase your selenium intake, add Brazil nuts in your daily diet because they are excellent sources of selenium. You can also take selenium supplement but make sure they are high quality. Selenium supplements that are made with chelated minerals are usually the best.

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