Selenium--Powerful Detox

[Guest guest]

Selenium--Powerful Detox

JoAnn Guest

Dec 30, 2003 14:07 PST

 

 

 

For several years we've been telling you about the advantages of

selenium -a naturally occurring mineral with powerful antioxidant

properties.

 

We've told you about studies that have shown how a sufficient

selenium

intake may lower the risk of prostate, breast, colorectal and lung

cancers.

 

Now a recent study from Indiana University Cancer Center and Indiana

University School of Medicine has explored the theory that selenium

activates an important tumor-suppressing gene called p53.

 

Scientists estimate that the p53 gene is mutated in as much as 70%

of

all cancers.

 

In experiments performed on human lungcancer cells, the Indiana

researchers used selenomethionine, the major component of selenium,

to

treat cells that contained p53 genes,

and other cells that were deficient in p53.

 

Results showed conclusively that selenomethionine not only activated

the

p53 protein,

but also protected cells containing p53.

 

Based on these findings, the researchers speculate that selenium

therapy

may act as a cancer preventive by enhancing

the vitality of p53 genes.

 

When the p53 genes function properly, cells are more likely to

repair

the DNA damage that may promote cancer.

 

-----------------------------

The versatile antioxidant

-----------------------------

In addition to its excellent cancer fighting abilities, many

studies have shown that selenium's antioxidant properties may

also fight 'autoimmune' disorders and help 'increase' insulin

efficiency.

 

Other research has concluded that selenium may be able to stop

viruses

from 'mutating' and becoming more potent.

Clearly, the importance of selenium in our diets can't be

overstated.

 

Plant foods are the major dietary sources of selenium, but the

amount of

selenium in any plant depends on the selenium 'content' of the soil

it's

grown in.

 

For instance, soils on the high plains of North America have high

amounts of selenium, while the soil in much of China contains low

amounts.

 

So while garlic tends to contain good amounts of this mineral, the

amounts vary depending on the soil the garlic is grown in.

 

The Brazil nut is the undisputed selenium 'champ', with one ounce

containing as much as 840 micrograms (mcg) - well over the

government

recommended daily intake of 50 mcg.

However, Dr. Martin L. Smith, the author of the Indiana study, noted

that the average diet probably falls short of 50 mcg per day.

 

Furthermore, Dr. Smith believes that in order to reap the cancer

preventive qualities of selenium,

intake needs to be around 200 mcg per day.

In other words, if you can't or don't want to add a quarter ounce of

Brazil nuts to your daily diet, you might want to add selenium to

your

supplement regimen.

 

 

So if you currently take a multi-vitamin, check to see if you're

already

getting some amount of selenium. You may be getting enough, but the

chances that you're getting near a dangerous dose are extremely slim.

_________________

Post subject:

Brazil Nut-Anti Cancer, Antioxidant & Immuno-Stimulant.

 

--

This is one of the richest sources of selenium and vitamin E -

powerful antioxidants with anti-ageing properties that can help

guard against many disorders including heart disease and cancer.

 

The brazil nut is also extremely nutritious with high levels of

protein, unsaturated fat,selenium, zinc and other minerals,

 

plus substantial quantities of vitamins E and B-complex.

 

But it is the combination of vitamin E with selenium that gives the

nut

its

special " immune " enhancing properties.

 

These two antioxidants work together each improving the performance

of the other to 'boost' immune system function.

 

Antioxidants prevent cell 'damage' by mopping up harmful free

radicals

thus preventing the 'reactions' that can damage DNA.

 

Accumulated damage by free radicals is known to be an important

factor

in ageing and disease and the role of antioxidants in the prevention

of

illness is well recognised.

 

Antioxidants play a preventative role in many conditions including:

Asthma, heart disease,

immune-dificiency disorders and cancer.

 

Selenium enhances immunity by 'activating' an enzyme in the body

which

inhibits selenium levels.

 

This in turn suppresses the immune system because a low level of

selenium affects the normal antibody responses to infection.

 

So even a moderate increase in selenium intake - a few nuts each

day for instance - is beneficial to the body's self defence

mechanisms and can help to reduce the risks of:

Cancer,

heart disease and fungal infections, such as candidiasis.

 

Six brazil nuts provide your daily minimum requirement of Selenium.

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest