Like vitamins, minerals perform specific functions within the body. Some minerals are so vital to our health that if they are not present in our bodies in sufficient amounts, we may become ill or develop a serious health condition. While most minerals are associated with a single bodily function, selenium is one nutrient that can provide good health for your entire body.

Healthy hair, skin, and eyes are all contributory to selenium. Selenium works closely with antioxidants to help prevent an increase in free radicals in the system. It is also beneficial in regulating the thyroid and immune system. If you are feeling energized and healthy, you may have selenium to thank for it. Selenium produces antibodies, which basically forms a chain of protection in the body. This one feature of selenium is important because it means that you are protected from a variety of viral and toxic invaders that can result in serious illness.

One serious health condition for which selenium may provide protection is cancer. The good news about selenium is that it may be protecting you from cancer and other health conditions without you even being aware. When you consume plant food, seafood, and meats on a regular basis, there is a good chance that you are acquiring sufficient selenium. Scientists have also discovered that selenium may be an effective treatment method for people diagnosed with cancer. Although selenium has been found beneficial to killing cancer cells in prostate cancer, there is promise that it may help treat other forms of cancers. This is good news to the millions of people who are suffering from one of the 200 types of cancer.

The cancer prevention benefits of selenium were discovered in recent years and scientists are spending a significant amount of time researching other possible benefits. In basic terms, cancer is a malfunction in the body's normal production of growth cells. Studies of selenium indicate that the mineral may offer cancer-prevention benefits.

Since the body only requires a small amount of selenium (about 60 micrograms), it is very unlikely that you will develop a selenium deficiency. However, you should make sure that your is getting sufficient selenium. Your heart can become weakened if you have a selenium deficiency.

If when you discuss selenium supplementation with your doctor and they give you the go ahead to start taking supplements, be sure to follow your doctor's recommended instructions. Too much selenium (more than 200 micrograms) can be toxic.

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