As with many hyped supplements, selenium has legitimately intriguing attributes, but is far from perfect.
One of my favorite resources, The Berkeley Wellness Letter, takes a critical look at the mineral in its December newsletter. Citing several recent studies, Berkeley concludes that selenium has been linked to cancer prevention because it may:
But this does not mean that you should run out and purchase a case of selenium. Berkeley has also found that research results are inconclusive — most notably that the optimal dose is unknown and that there is also a chance that too much selenium can be toxic.
For now diet may be the best method of ingesting selenium. The Wellness Letter includes a list of selenium rich foods. For a second opinion, check out the NIH's selenium suggestions.
Brazil nuts are number one on both lists.
Interests: Anything with an ING: dancing, biking, listening, talking, writing, reading, watching, eating, drinking, running, thinking, working, dreaming, surrendering, laughing, smiling, acting, traveling, singing, surfing, driving, shopping, thanking, observing, welcoming, connecting, loving, learning, sharing, practicing, asking. I love supermarkets in other places, lyrics to songs, seeking out gluten free food, responding to questions and surveys, finding deals and bargains, doing public relations for anyone/anything I believe in, good conversation, sociological observation, the beach, early mornings, condiments and spices, vitamins and minerals, alternative medicine, nutrition, holistic health, fitness gum, coffee drinking, gun chewing and sitting in the steam room.
Inspiration: Books: Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke
Music: Linkin Park and The Cure
People: My mother and all of those that have come before me that have fought their own battles and didn't give up.
Places: Carl Schurz Park, New York, NY
Movies: In Search of a Midnight Kiss, Stealing Beauty, Beautiful Girls, When A Man Loves a Woman, In America, Magdelene Sisters, The Notebook, Run Fat Boy Run
Things: Causes worth fighting for: Lupus and other auto-immune disorders, Organ Donation and impoverished and at-risk youth.