Well, who of us does not dream of not aging as long as possible? The elixir of youth has not yet been invented, but scientists have identified a trace element that can prolong an active life.
We are aging due to the fact that in the process of vital activity in the cell, especially dangerous substances (the so-called free radicals) are formed, which can damage this very cell, causing its mutation, and in some cases, death. In this case, antioxidants come to the aid of the cell, in particular selenium, which helps it fight this enemy. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Anatoly Viktorovich Skalny spoke about the role of this microelement in preserving youth in the program “On the Most Important”.
“Selenium is a life-prolonging trace mineral. Moreover, this is an element with a proven effect in terms of the continuation of life for both humans and many animals. Its deficiency can lead to premature aging.
In our country, 60-70% of people are deficient in selenium, and this directly affects not only premature aging, but also life expectancy in general. And direct evidence of this is numerous studies that have shown that the lower the selenium deficiency in the region, the higher the life expectancy.
True, it is important to remember that selenium is a trace element, which means that it must enter the body in micro doses (in large doses it is poison!). To provide the body with a daily dose of selenium, it is enough to eat just one Brazil nut, which is rightfully considered the champion in the content of this trace element. They contain selenium and any other nuts, albeit in a slightly lower dose. In addition to nuts, seeds are an excellent supplier of selenium (for example, in 100 g of sunflower seeds – 96% of the daily value of selenium), bacon, garlic. There is a lot of selenium in chicken eggs, fish and seafood. “
Not a panacea, but…
- selenium is necessary for the normal functioning of thyroid hormones;
- selenium prevents diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Correction of selenium deficiency has been shown to reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases by 25%;
- selenium prevents liver damage.