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NutriPlus with Organic Selenium
In The News
Part 2 - Introduction to Organic Selenium : The Nutrient of the
New Millennium
(The Sun / HealthyLiving / Wednesday, Dec 19, 2001)
What are the benefits of Selenium consumption?
Selenium has been touted the "Nutrient Of The New Millennium"
because clinical studies have shown it to be beneficial in many
aspects of health. While research continues further into
establishing the entirety of the advantages of Selenium consumption,
it has already been determined that it may be effective in the
following areas:
Lowering heart disease
Selenium prevents blood platelets from sticking together, thus
reducing the chances of heart attacks or strokes occurring.
Relieving rheumatoid arthritis
Selenium helps fight the free radicals that cause the inflammation
of joints and degrade cartilage and collagen.
Cleanses the body
The selenoprotein Guthathione Peroxidase, in a process called
chelation, binds with toxic heavy metals such as mercury and lead
and flushes them out of the body through the urine.
Boosts the immune system
Selenium plays a key role in the functioning of the immune system as
it increases the number of interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptors on the
surface of the T-cell. The T-cell kills invading pathogens and IL-2
is a hormone like substance that stimulates T-cells to proliferate
and function. Selenium could also be a powerful weapon in the fight
against AIDS. It has been shown that the HIV virus causes a
depletion of Selenium in the body and that this depletion leads the
virus to replicate at a high rate causing full-blown AIDS.
Protects against cataract formation
Selenium acts against free radicals, which are seen to be the root
cause of cataracts forming.
Prevention of cancer
Whilst research in this field continues, there is a positive
correlation between the two as the people living in countries with
the highest level of Selenium concentration in their soil show the
lowest incidence of cancer.
Improved fertility
Selenium is essential for male fertility, as it is required for
testosterone biosynthesis and for the normal development of
spermatozoa. Studies have revealed two sperm specific selenoproteins.
One is Gluthathione Peroxidase which is specific to the sperm nuclei
and the other is found in the mid-section where it is believed to
have an enzymatic and structural function. Immobility in sperm is
frequently a result of 'snaps' in the mid-piece region.
Prevention of brain function loss
Selenium plays an important role in the manufacture of a brain
chemical known as a neurotransmitter, and a low level of Selenium is
linked with an increased risk of dementia and senility. in studies,
loss of brain function was shown to be two-fold faster in those
above 65 and suffering from a Selenium deficiency.
Why add Selenium to eggs?
As eggs are a regularly consumed item in our diets, the would be an
ideal food source of Selenium for our bodies. Although Selenium is
not readily absorbed into eggs, Alltech Biotechnology of the United
States has developed a special feed which can increase the level of
Selenium in broilers and layers, and consequently the eggs. This
feed has the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration body
(FDA). The recommended daily amount (RDA) of Selenium intake for our
diets in estimated to be 70ug by nutritionists. Thus, consumption of
two NutriPlus Enriched with Organic Selenium eggs a day, with 22ug
of Selenium per egg, will be sufficient to contribute a major
portion of our daily dietary requirement.
..........................................................................................
Look out for Part Three next week on "Evidence Selenium Is Vital
For Good Health" based on data compiled from Dr Peter Surai,
Professor of Science, Scotland.
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