Selenium: the mysterious trace element for luxurious hair and radiant skin
Selenium is an important trace element with numerous beneficial properties for our bodies, including hair and skin. This element acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals and preventing premature skin aging. Selenium plays a vital role in hair growth and skin health, while also strengthening the body’s defenses against various illnesses. This trace element reduces oxidative stress, decreases inflammation, and boosts immunity.
Selenium and its effects on skin and hair
One of the primary benefits of selenium for hair is its ability to stimulate growth. Selenium improves blood circulation in the scalp, promoting the strengthening of hair follicles and encouraging the growth of new hair. Additionally, selenium helps combat dandruff and seborrhea, enhancing the texture and shine of hair.
Selenium also plays a crucial role in skin health. It aids in fighting inflammation, improving complexion, stimulating skin cell renewal, and shielding against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, selenium helps prevent the formation of wrinkles and keeps the skin youthful and elastic.
To ensure an adequate intake of selenium, it’s essential to include selenium-rich foods in your diet. Such foods include nuts (especially Brazil nuts), shellfish, fish, eggs, buckwheat, garlic, onions, spinach, corn, beef, and whole grain products.
Is excess selenium harmful
It’s important to remember that an excess of selenium can also be harmful to the body, so it’s necessary to adhere to the recommended daily allowance. For healthy adults, the recommended intake of selenium is between 55 and 400 micrograms per day. Signs of selenium overdose may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and irritability. Prolonged consumption of excessive selenium doses can lead to serious health problems. Recommended daily allowances for selenium intake are as follows:
- Children aged 4-8 years: 30 micrograms
- Children aged 9-13 years: 40 micrograms
- Adolescents aged 14-18 years: 55 micrograms
- Adult men and women: 55 micrograms
- Pregnant women: 60 micrograms
- Breastfeeding women: 70 micrograms
Selenium helps address various appearance-related issues and preserves beauty and youth for years to come. Therefore, it’s essential not to overlook the inclusion of selenium in your diet and to monitor its adequate levels in the body. Adhere to recommendations for selenium consumption to support health and resilience.