the selenium is a trace element essential for the proper functioning of the body. Antioxidant, its main role is to protect cell membranes against oxidation caused by free radicals. But its work does not stop there: it also intervenes at the level of the immune system and the thyroid gland, helps prevent cardiovascular disorders and even has a sebum-regulating effect on the scalp … In short, impossible to do without.
Problem: selenium is not produced by the body. To avoid deficiency, it is therefore important to regularly consume certain foods: canned tuna (60 to 80 µg of selenium per 100 g), Brazil nut (95 µg for 5 g), shiitake mushrooms (49 µg per 36 g), salmon (40 to 47 µg per 100 g) …
Be careful though with excess: the maximum recommended dose for an adult is 400 µg of selenium per day; beyond 1000 µg per day, there is a risk of intoxication (this is called selenosis).
Protect yourself against hepatocellular carcinoma
A study conducted jointly by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Charité Medical School in Berlin has just shown that a sufficient daily intake of selenium could also prevent liver cancer – and in particular the hepatocellular carcinoma, which represents 90% of cases according to the National Cancer Institute.
The work was carried out on more than 500,000 volunteers, recruited in 10 European countries. Levels of selenium and selenoprotein P (the protein that transports selenium through the body) were recorded regularly through blood tests, and participants were followed for several years.
Conclusion: “consuming selenium daily helps prevent liver cancer, in association with a healthy lifestyle (little alcohol, no tobacco, regular physical activity and a balanced diet) “says Dr David Hughes, main author of this work, published in the scientific journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.