Missing in our soil here in New Zealand, selenium has one of the most important roles from a human nutrition perspective as an antioxidant, helping to prevent cell damage from free radicals. It works alongside other vitamins and is essential for a healthy immune system and to help slow degeneration. It is essential for maintaining healthy bones and joint function and healthy immune system.
It’s essential for the production of the cellular enzyme, glutathione. Glutathione protects cells against oxidative stress and is important for the function of the body’s natural detoxification mechanisms. Selenium is also important for optimal endocrine and immune system function and has been recognized for its role in prostate, colon, and lung health.
In addition, it’s a component of more than 25 different proteins, called selenoproteins, which are necessary for a wide array of important physiological processes, including DNA synthesis and reproductive health.
