Why Selenium is the No. 1 Anti–Aging Mineral

Selenium is an important trace mineral. Your body needs it to grow and for protein synthesis. What’s more, it plays a key role in anti-aging. It protects your skin; prevents heart disease and cancer (two age–related diseases); is an antioxidant, and helps minimize menopause symptoms.

Protects Your Skin

It delays skin aging by protecting its quality and elasticity. It also helps to safeguard your skin from sun damage.

Gives You Double Antioxidant Protection

Selenium is an antioxidant, so it protects cells from free radical damage. Free radical damage causes aging, and the type of damage that’s linked to many age–related diseases.

Plus, it helps increase the effectiveness of vitamin E, another important antioxidant.

Relieves Menopause Symptoms

Research has shown that it can help minimize hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Reduces Your Risk of Heart Disease

This important mineral increases levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol. What’s more, it can reduce heart attack and stroke risk by decreasing the “stickiness” of the blood and blood clots. 

Helps Prevent Cancer

Cornell University and the University of Arizona conducted two 5–year studies that found the death rate from cancer of people who took 200mcg was 39% lower than the general population. It cut prostate cancer by 63%, colorectal tumors by 58%, and lung cancer by 46%.

Selenium Rich Vegetarian and Vegan Sources

The best vegetarian sources include Brazil nuts, unrefined grains, brown rice, and wheat germ. Other sources include raw cremini mushrooms, mustard seeds, boiled, whole eggs, cooked, raw sunflower seeds, and garlic. 

Keep in mind that the mineral content of foods varies a lot depending on the mineral content of the soil the food is grown on. This is another good reason to buy organic. Organic foods have been found to contain more nutrients than conventionally grown produce.

Deficiency Symptoms

Common symptoms of a deficiency are dandruff, decreased growth, premature aging, and infertility. But, without a blood test, it’s impossible to know if these symptoms are related to a selenium deficiency or other health problems and deficiencies.

Vegetarian & Vegan