Various research about this major antioxidant has proven its protective and preventive role in many diseases

• It is the glutathione peroxidase, a key enzyme of the intracellular defenses, which protects the cellular membranes and the nucleus against the oxidation due to the aggressions of the free radicals. Gold selenium is the coenzyme of glutathione peroxidase.
• It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cell from the harmful effects of free radicals, but also from the toxic effects of heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead), alcohol, tobacco smoke and various atmospheric pollutions.

It provides anti-cancer protection due to its immunostimulant and antioxidant activity

Indeed, associated with vitamin E, selenium induces the formation of antibodies and prevents oxidative damage to chromosomes. Thus, in collaboration with vitamin E, it strengthens immunity by improving the activation and proliferation of B lymphocytes and by strengthening the functioning of T cells.

• It protects against cardiovascular diseases by controlling the optimal quantity of red blood cells, normalizing platelet aggregation and accelerating lipid metabolism. It is also a regulator of blood pressure and heart rate.
• In a double-blind study, subjects consuming selenium noticed an improvement in their depressive symptoms after supplementation with 100 mcg per day of this mineral.

The average selenium content of the human body varies according to the selenium richness of the diet and its geographical origin.

Daily requirements : estimated to be between 50 and 200 mcg.

Foods rich in selenium

Vegetable proteins, i.e. whole grains (whole grain rice contains fifteen times more selenium than white rice!) provide seleno-methionine. The quantities brought depend on the quality of the sounds!

Among the cereals, you have wheat, oats and müeslis which provide large quantities of selenium.

Red peppers, garlic and onions, as well as certain mushrooms (lepiotes and boletus) contain the most. Next come raisins, split peas, lentils and celery sticks. On average, dried vegetables have six times more selenium than green vegetables after cooking.

Animal proteins provide seleno-cysteine in the form of glutathione peroxidase. Seleno-cysteine can be synthesized from seleno-methionine, the opposite is absolutely impossible.

The meats richest in selenium are liver, veal kidney and rabbit. Some fish, such as sole, canned albacore tuna and salmon, contain fairly high levels. It is also found in seafood, shellfish such as mussels, clams and shrimp.

You will find a significant amount in egg yolk, brewer's yeast and among oils, among which olive oil is the richest.

Fruits and vegetables are almost completely devoid of selenium.