Since its discovery in 1817 by a Swedish chemist, selenium has attracted scientific attention and is today understood to be a vital trace element for the human body. There are a total of 14 trace elements that are known, including iodine, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, lead, and fluoride. Minerals known as trace elements, which are found in living tissues in trace levels, serve a variety of crucial activities.
Selenium, assists the human body by acting as a potent antioxidant and defending against damaging free radicals, hence supplying protective immunological activities. Since selenium is a trace mineral, the body only requires a minimal quantity of it. It is naturally present in food or is a dietary supplement. The mineral selenium is a necessary part of several enzymes and proteins known as selenoproteins that aid in the synthesis of DNA, defend against cellular damage, and regulate the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Although the thyroid gland has the highest concentration of selenium due to several selenoproteins that support thyroid function, the majority of selenium in the body is kept in muscle tissue. When Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E are present, the body can absorb the mineral selenium more easily.
Selenium may have anti-aging benefits and may offer protection from age-related diseases, according to recent studies. According to Wikipedia: Growing older is referred to as aging or ageing. The word primarily relates to people, many other creatures, and fungus; in contrast, some basic animals, perennial plants, and microbes may be capable of having a biological immortality.
A multifaceted process that includes immune system changes, metabolic imbalance, molecular damage, and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors and illnesses or what we called Biological Aging. Conferring from a review, selenium can contest aging and avoid age-related health matters like cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Selenium can decrease chronic inflammation, which is closely linked to aging according to some researchers. Selenium defends the skin against ultraviolet (UV) oxidative stress, may possibly fight aging skin caused by UV exposure. Additionally, selenium might be crucial in preventing some age-related illnesses like: heart disease, cancer, thyroid disease, and cognitive decline.
Numerous foods contain selenium, making it simple to include them in a person's diet. Since selenium is a component of soil, the amount of selenium in food depends on the amount of selenium in the soil where the food was grown. Highest dietary sources of it come from organ meats, sea foods, and brazil nuts. It can also be found on: sardines, brown rice, beans, lentils, yellow fin tuna, shrimp, beef, ham, boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and whole wheat bread.
A vital mineral known for its potent antioxidant capabilities; selenium has been proven to have strong immune-boosting effects against viral infections. There is currently no proof that selenium supplementation can delay or stop aging. Selenium does, however, play a role in scavenging free radicals and lowering inflammation, both of which can hasten aging; thus, it is crucial to consume the recommended levels in the diet. Hence, you must consult a doctor if you think you may be deficient in selenium or if you're thinking about taking supplements.
AA I Floricel N. Denopol, RND
References
What Is Selenium And How Does It Help The Body?
https://ph.iherb.com/blog/selenium-supplement-health-benefits/
Overview of Aging
https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/older-people%E2%80%99s-health-issues/the-aging-body/overview-of-aging
What to know about selenium?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-selenium-really-slow-aging
