What is Selenium?

Selenium is a non-metallic chemical element. Chemically, it is represented with the symbol 'Se' and its atomic number is 34. In the periodic table, it belongs to the same group as oxygen and sulfur. It was discovered in the year 1817 by famous Swedish chemist Jons Berzelius. If you ask me what selenium is good for, then let me tell you that the importance of this non metal is not just confined to chemistry but it plays a major role in various biological functions and has several practical applications as well.

What is Selenium Used For?

• Selenium is a useful catalyst for various important chemical reactions. So, it is used in laboratories and chemical industries for the same purpose.
• The most important commercial use of selenium is in the glass making industry. In glass manufacturing, it helps in canceling out the greenish effect caused by the presence of iron impurities. Thus, it gives a colorless and transparent effect to the glass. Sometimes, it is also used as a component in manufacturing of glass to add a deep red color to the glass.
• Selenium is capable of converting light energy into a usable form of electricity. Hence, it is used in the manufacturing of solar cells.
• Selenium is also associated with other industries like that of ceramic manufacturing and in the making of brass. It has a major role in printing and copying technology as well.
• It is a vital component of various vitamin and mineral supplements and is used for treating various health problems. It is often administered to people suffering from Keshan disease, asthma, burns injuries and malabsorption of nutrients. It is also used to counteract the side effects of chemotherapy.

Health Benefits of Selenium

• Selenium has excellent antioxidant properties that protect the chromosomes of our body cells from the damaging effect of free radicals. Thus, it reduces the chances of development of various types of cancer.
• It can lower the level of cholesterol in the blood and maintain healthy blood pressure. Thus, it takes care of the heart health.
• It works along with vitamin E and helps in removal of various forms of toxic substances from our body.
• It plays a major role in normal functioning of the thyroid gland. In absence of selenium, the thyroid gland will start functioning very slowly.
• High amount of selenium can be found in the liver and kidneys. It helps out these organs in carrying out various metabolic processes of the body.
• One of the important benefits of selenium is that it is one of the most vital components that can give us healthy looking skin.
• Deficiency of selenium can lead to various health problem. It can cause Keshan disease, which weakens the heart so much that it cannot pump enough blood to various parts of the body. It can have an adverse impact on the thyroid function. People suffering from selenium deficiency can suffer from weak immune system, hypothyroidism, fatigue and decrease in sexual desire among other problems.

Now, you know what is selenium and what is its importance. The important selenium foods include fruits, vegetables, Brazil nuts, wheat, oats, tofu, eggs, fresh and saltwater fish, etc. Our daily requirement of selenium is about 55 micro grams and not more than that. It should always be taken in moderate amount so that you do not suffer from deficiency. At the same time, excess intake should be avoided as an overdose can lead to side effects which are bad for health.