Selenium is a trace mineral that is very important to human health. Like other trace minerals, it is required in small amounts; large amounts can be poisonous. According to medical doctors, an adult should take 100–200 mg of selenium daily. Selenium protects skin against UV-induced harm and cancer. The definition of Selenoproteins can be derived from Selenium which is incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes. A shortage of selenoproteins in the human diet causes skin and hair damage, such as poor hair follicle growth and unhealthy skin.

There are many types of food that provide Selenium. They are:

Nuts: Nuts such as Brazil nuts are a great resource of selenium and selenoproteins. They provide the most selenium with 1917μg (2739% RDA) per 100 gram serving, 2550μg (3642% RDA) per cup, and 96μg (137% RDA) in a single kernel or nut. Because of the high concentration of selenium in Brazil nuts, it is not recommended to eat them in large amounts, exceeding 100 grams.

Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contains selenium but in small amounts.

Fish and seafood: Fish is a good source of protein and it contains selenium. Fish contains 95% of selenium required in a day. Other seafood is oysters, clams and sardines which are also great sources of selenoproteins.

Meat: The source of meat is animals and meat is a source of proteins. Meats such as beef, chicken, and pork among others are rich in selenoproteins.

Sunflower seeds: These seeds are very nutritious. They are a good source of iron, vitamins, magnesium, protein, copper and potassium. They contain selenoproteins.

Bran: These are things like rice, wheat etc., which also contain selenium.

Deficiency of selenium and selenoproteins: Selenium deficiency can actually lead to keshan disease which is which is very deadly. It tends to make the body far more vulnerable to sickness triggered by various nutritional, biochemical, or infectious illnesses. Apart from that, selenium deficiency together with iodine deficiency can contribute to Kashin-Beck disease which causes atrophy; body decay. The insufficiency of selenoproteins has been connected to various cancers, Alzheimer’s disorder, the effects of aging and viral illnesses such as HIV/AIDS.

It is important for people to know that along with many other trace minerals, there is such a thing as too much selenium. Taking a lot of selenoproteins can result in selenosis; its symptoms include garlic breath odor, hair loss, gastrointestinal upsets, white blotchy nails, mild nerve damage, irritability and fatigue.

This informative article was written by polyDNA, a biotech firm that developed and markets Gene-Eden, a leading all-natural antiviral health supplement. Designed with chronic diseases in mind, Gene-Eden works by enhancing the immune system to better protect the body from viruses in their latent form.

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