A micro idea has become a farming revolution in Rajasthan, an Indian state. A team of farmers and agriculture experts visited Israel, to study the technical feasibility and economic viability of growing olives in the desert. According to their recommendation, a pilot project was initiated by the government. Today the tiny project has become a roaring success, and has turned the desert state into an olive oasis.
I can very well read your thoughts; she talks about olives, deserts and oasis and nothing about selenium. Oh! Please be patient and read on. Selenium is a micro mineral meaning it is required in very small amounts by the body. Though it is a micro mineral it has a major influence on the body. Hope you got the link from our introduction.
Selenium prevents oxidative stress by working together with vitamins E, C, B3 and glutathione. Now, this oxidative stress is a very dangerous thing because it can cause blood vessel damage and rheumatoid arthritis. If the diet is deficient in selenium it can lead to the above said illnesses. Selenium helps to prevent cancer.
The WH foods states that selenium plays a role in prevention and treatment of acne, asthma, colorectal cancer, cervical dysplasia, oesophageal cancer, HIV/AIDS, infertility in men, ovarian cysts, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, periodontal disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, sudden infant death syndrome and stomach cancer. Whew! That was a lot of diseases.
The ways to detect the deficiency of selenium includes weakness or pain in muscles, the skin and hair becomes discoloured and the finger nail beds become white. Both men and women need 55mg of selenium per day. If you are eating a well-balanced meal, you can be rest assured about your selenium supply.
Now, let us see the foods that are rich in selenium. Excellent sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, cod, shrimp, tuna, halibut, salmon and mustard seeds. The good sources of selenium include wheat germ, shell fish, butter, sunflower seeds, garlic and liver. Eggs, chicken, lamb, barley, turkey and oats also contain selenium. See, I have searched far and wide in the internet to give all the possible sources of selenium. Hope you include all these foods in your diet.
Selenium also helps in the proper maintaining of thyroid function, enhances the working of immune system and helps in the healthy growth of hair. Selenium prevents loss of brain function as we get older. Scientists have found that selenium should be supplied to the brain for a long period of time to impact the brain function. If you are not eating a balanced diet, start eating a healthy balanced diet from today and enjoy a healthier tomorrow.
Take care,
Swarnam
Photo by dan
Take care,
Swarnam
Swarnam