Selenium

Selenium is an antioxidant which seems to inhibit cell proliferation. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of selenium is 70 ug (micrograms) for men, 55 ug for women.

Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp

Shrimp can help you lose weight, provide you with important beauty nutrients — such as the antioxidant astaxanthin — and add cancer-fighting minerals to your diet.

Weight loss benefits of eating shrimp

Loaded with protein, vitamin D, vitamin B3, and zinc, shrimp are an excellent, carbohydrate-free food for anyone determined to shed off pounds. Zinc supplementation of zinc deficient subjects has been shown to increase the levels of circulating leptin. Leptin is a hormone that plays a key role in regulating the body's energy expenditure, fat storage, and appetite. Insufficient leptin levels are believed to be the primary cause of food cravings, overeating, and obsession with food. The iodine in shrimp is good for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland which controls the basal metabolic rate, or the rate at which the body consumes energy at rest. Iodine deficiency can result in sluggish thyroid activity which in turn can lead to weight gain or hinder weight loss.

A true beauty food

Shrimp contain astaxanthin, a carotenoid that gives them their pink color and that can act as a potent antioxidant and protect the skin from premature aging. Also the omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp provide antioxidant protection. The zinc shrimp boast plays an important role in the production of new cells (including hair cells and skin cells). It also helps maintain the oil-secreting glands on the scalp that keep hair shiny. In addition, shrimp are a good source of copper which can help prevent hair loss, contribute to hair thickness, and intensify hair color.

Selenium punch for extra protection against cancer

Shrimp are loaded with selenium. Several population studies suggest that the risk of death from cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is lower among people with a higher intake of the trace mineral selenium. Death rates from cancer are significantly lower in areas of the world where selenium is abundant in the soil than in areas where selenium levels are low. Selenium is believed to reduce cancer risk in two ways: First, selenium is an important constituent of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme with anti-oxidant properties which can help protect the body from damaging effects of free radicals. Second, selenium is believed to prevent tumor growth by boosting the immune system and inhibiting the development of blood vessels to the tumor.

• Every 85 g (8oz) of steamed shrimps can provide the body with 48% of the DV of selenium. Lack of selenium in the body has been linked to the incidence of many types of cancer, including prostate. Researchers at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) revealed that a combination of sulforaphane and selenium makes them 13 times more potent in attacking cancer. Sulforaphane-rich foods include broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous veggies.

Helps process fats

Niacin (vitamin B3) helps process fats, carbohydrates and protein and turns it into energy. Shrimps can provide a good amount of this essential vitamin.

Helps fight depression 

Just like fish, shrimp can also supply omega-3 fatty acids. Study participants have shown that omega-3’s offer powerful protection against depression and may help improve mood to those who are already suffering from the disorder.

Helps promote prostate health

Preliminary studies have shown that zinc slow down prostate cancer cell growth.  Eating shrimps will add to the body’s needed daily value of this mineral which is only 10-15 mg.

Keeps thyroid healthy

Shrimp can contribute to thyroid health through its supply of copper.

Helps stabilize blood sugar levels

These scrumptious seafoods are also good sources of magnesium, which studies suggest can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes

What about the cholesterol?

Shrimp are often given a bad rap for their high cholesterol content. Although it is true that shrimp are relatively high in cholesterol (about 200 milligrams in 3.5 ounces, or 12 large boiled shrimp),the Rockefeller study on shrimp and cholesterol suggests that shrimp chloesterol may not be that bad for you.

Shrimp Nutrition Facts

Glycemic Index (GI) Rating / Glycemic Load: As shrimp contain no carbohydrates, their Glycemic Index rating is 0. Calories: Shrimp are relatively low in calories, with 1 gram of shrimp containing 1 calorie (1 ounce of shrimp, or 28 grams, therefore contains only 28 calories). Macronutrients: Shrimp are made almost entirely of protein and water, but they do contain some fat and cholesterol, too. Vitamins & Minerals: Shrimp are supercharged with vitamin B12 and selenium. In addition, they provide a fair amount of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, sodium (salt), zinc and copper. Surprisingly, they also contain some vitamin C. Omega-3 fatty acids Selenium Vitamin D Vitamin B12 Niacin Magnesium Phosphorus Iron Zinc Copper

Selenium supplements linked to high cholesterol

Taking selenium supplements may increase cholesterol levels by as much as 10 per cent, according to a new study.

Writing in the Journal of Nutrition, scientists at the University of Warwick Medical School said consuming too much selenium can have adverse effects.

Selenium is considered a health ingredient because of its antioxidant properties, and the perception that it can reduce cancer risks. The body naturally absorbs selenium from vegetables, meat, and seafood but it is also found in higher quantities in supplements.

Health benefits may be linked to selenium but according to a team led by Dr Saverio Stranges at Warwick University, the balance can be tipped and high levels of selenium in the diet are associated with increased cholesterol.

The link

The scientists reached this conclusion after examining the relationship between plasma selenium concentrations (levels of selenium in the blood) with blood lipids (fats in the blood).

A cross-sectional study of the1042 participants in the 2000-2001 National Diet and Nutrition Survey revealed that among those with higher plasma selenium (more than 1.20 µmol/L) there was an increase in the average total cholesterol level of 8 per cent (0.39 mmol/L (i.e. 15.1 mg/dL).

Researchers also found a 10 per cent increase in non-HDL cholesterol levels, which is the bad cholesterol most closely linked to heart disease.

Making the final step linking high selenium intake, supplementation, and high cholesterol, the scientists noted that among the participants, 48.2 per cent admitted they regularly took dietary supplements.

Supplement warning

Dr Saverio Stranges said high levels of selenium were not exclusively caused by supplementation, but the conclusions of the study do raise concerns given the increased use of selenium supplements in recent years.

Stranges said: “The cholesterol increases we have identified may have important implications for public health. In fact, such a difference could translate into a large number of premature deaths from coronary heart disease.


“We believe that the widespread use of selenium supplements, or of any other strategy that artificially increases selenium status above the level required, is unwarranted at the present time.” Stranges called for further research to examine the full range of health effects from increased selenium in the diet.

In a recent opinion on selenium, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that it could offer “protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage, normal function of the immune system, normal thyroid function and normal spermatogenesis.” But the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) dismissed claims linking the mineral to normal cognitive function, normal prostate function and normal function of the heart and blood vessels


Source: Journal of Nutrition

Selenium Important for Skin Health

Selenium is a trace mineral with significant contribution to antioxidant activity. The primary dietary source of selenium is from plants. However, levels of selenium in plants are dependent on the selenium concentrations in the soil in which they are grown.


According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, over one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually and it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.


In a new study, investigators analyzed the possible correlation between serum levels of select antioxidant nutrients and the development of skin cancer. In this study, serum levels of carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and selenium were measured in 485 adults at the beginning of the study. The subjects were monitored for the incidence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin for 8 years.
The results showed that higher serum selenium concentrations were associated with decreased incidence of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and conversely, lower serum selenium concentrations were associated with increased incidence of both types of cancer. Furthermore, the subjects with the highest selenium levels had a decreased risk of basal cell tumors by 57 percent and decreased risk of developing squamous cell tumors by 64 percent, compared to subjects with the lowest levels. The study did not show a correlation between serum levels of carotenoids or alpha-tocopherol concentrations and incidence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.


The researchers stated, “Relatively high serum selenium concentrations are associated with an approximately 60 percent decrease in subsequent tumor incidence of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, whereas serum concentrations of carotenoids or alpha-tocopherol are not associated with later skin cancer incidence.”