So, another day and another investigation. It's time to talk about selenium, which may sound radioactive, but is actually pretty good for your health.
An important antioxidant, selenium has been proven to help protect against heart disease and cancer. Selenium is a trace element and is mainly found in the soil. That means food produced in different regions may have different amounts – for example, parts of China and New Zealand have very low amounts in the soil.
Some studies have also suggested that people with rheumatoid arthritis may have lower levels in their blood than the general population. There is also a link between low blood levels and severity of osteoarthrititis. It's thought that the anti-oxidant properties of selenium might help slow the development of the disease. However, there isn't much evidence to suggest that taking more than the RDA will help arthritis.
An important antioxidant, selenium has been proven to help protect against heart disease and cancer. Selenium is a trace element and is mainly found in the soil. That means food produced in different regions may have different amounts – for example, parts of China and New Zealand have very low amounts in the soil.
Some studies have also suggested that people with rheumatoid arthritis may have lower levels in their blood than the general population. There is also a link between low blood levels and severity of osteoarthrititis. It's thought that the anti-oxidant properties of selenium might help slow the development of the disease. However, there isn't much evidence to suggest that taking more than the RDA will help arthritis.
To get what you need to meet your RDA, try having a couple of brazil nuts (two will give you all the selenium you need so don't overdo it) and eating more mushrooms, fish and eggs.
