Edited: June 02, 2004 07:11
Why is selenium so important to your diet? Mostly because it
is so very important for anyone concerned with getting cancer.
Selenium is an antioxidant required by some enzymes and has been clinically shown to
reduce the cancer rate by more than 50%. The worst part is that most people are not
getting this valuable mineral because it is no longer available in the foods grown in soil
as soil is now depleted of selenium. In addition, studies have shown that reduced
selenium intake corresponds with reduced caloric intake and that most diets are well below
the required intake needed to reduce the likelihood of getting cancer.
Below is a map of the continental United States
showing the abundance of selenium in the soil:
The selenium content of soil varies dramatically
in the United States. Selenium deficiency has afflicted animals grazing in areas
colored black -- a good sign of selenium-poor soil. By contrast, vegetation
growing in areas shaded gray has proven selenium rich. Fruits and
vegetables grown in these lands presumably will provide more selenium than those from
other areas.
Predictive nutrients: In
a recent study, researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that higher
selenium intakes tended to be accompanied by higher intakes of iron and magnesium.
To a less extent, zinc intake also corresponded to selenium intake.
If you rely heavily on fruits and vegetables
grown in your locale, this map could prove helpful in determining if you are getting
enough selenium in your diet. Cattleman have supplemented selenium in the feed for
their dairy and beef cattle, as well as for horses, for decades because the USDA and
farmers have known the importance of it in their animals diet. You may check with
your local Cooperative Extension Service, Soil Conservation Office, agriculture
university, or farm organization to determine more specifically with up-to-date
information as to the selenium content of your area's soil.
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