Selenium and it's benefit.

Introduction
Selenium is a non-metal element that occurs in the earth’s crust with the higher levels present in some sedimentary, volcanic and carbonate rocks. Selenium itself exists in a variety of chemical forms including selenite and selenate as well as elemental selenium and it is often found associated with sulphur-containing compounds.
Very small quantities of selenium are required to maintain proper health in both animals and humans. The necessity for selenium is most likely related to its presence in particular
proteins termed selenoproteins. Without selenium, the function of the selenium-requiring proteins can be compromised which results in the signs and symptoms of deficiency.
Since the ageing process, as well as certain diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular
disease is associated with an increase in oxidative damage, maintaining adequate selenium intakes may provide some protection.

Characteristics and benefits of selenium.

1. selenium relieves deficiency related disorders.
2. Enhances the body's anti-oxidation ability.
3. selenium regulates the secretion of thyroxin.
4. participates in the production of sperm.
5. support the immune system.
   

How does selenium benefits our health.

1. Help in the creation and production of glutathione peroxidase, which is a natural antioxidants defense member against free radicals.

2. Regenerate several antioxidants including vitamin C.

3. Protect developing sperm from oxidative damage, a main component in sperm, which determines the formation and stabilization of sperm.

4. selenium involved with the inflammatory and immune responses.
   

What causes selenium deficiency?

1. Lack of selenium in the environment: lack of selenium in soil leads to low production of selenium in plants and it cause deficiency in human body.

2. Pollution of environment: Due to the industrial pollution and acidic rain, selenium absorption in the daily incept is reduced, which causes selenium deficiency in human body.

3. Refined food processing: Food will lose 50-75% of selenium in food processing. Generally, kernel and rinds of food contains greater amount of minerals. However, rice after processing contains only 18.9gammas of selenium per kg. Bran contains 71.2, light flour contains only 28.6gammas of selenium per kg. People who always consume refined food may lack selenium.
   

How much selenium do we need everyday.
Selenium is considered a trace mineral, we need just a little bit for normal functioning and it can be toxic if we take too much. At least 55mcg of selenium per day but not more than 400mcg per day.

What is the result of selenium deficiency?
Lack of selenium relates to the occurrences of cancer and relates to the incidence and death rate of multi-infection disease such as AIDS. Due to the industrial pollution and acid rain, sulfur dioxide will react with selenium compound which affects plants to absorb unsuitable selenium, in addition, some modern planting method also reduces selenium in food chain.

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@ asoju