Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death around the world. Against the backdrop of the constant search for trace elements, which is often hidden in nutrition discussions – selenium – appeared with promising heart health.
But it’s not just another fashionable nutrient that gets attention. This time the connection comes from a large -scale study using NHANES (2003–2018), which involves more than 39,000 participants. The data obtained suggest that selenium, if consumed in the right amount through a diet, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. But, like most things in nature, balance is all.
About what is the noise
That is of interest, this consistent feedback between dietary Consumption of selenium and cardiovascular disease. This means that selenium consumption has increased – in a certain range – the risk of heart disease is reduced.
Sweet place? 55 to 145 mcg per day.
However, this relationship is not direct. Outside the threshold, approximately 135 mcg/day, the benefits for the selenium heart begin to narrow, and in some cases it can even shake. This is what makes selenium unique: useful, but only when it does not freeze.
A real star: not supplements but food
Many studies have considered the level of blood selenium, but less asked a more practical question: how much selenium enters the body through food? Because almost 80% Dietary selenium It is effectively absorbed, it makes sense to focus on what is on a plate.
Natural selenium products include Brazil nuts (moderate), sunflower seeds, whole grains, eggs and fish. The NHANES study clearly showed that dietary sources – and not pills are really important.
Representative image.
Why the heart cares
What causes the selenium protective lies deep in the body protection system. This is a critical player in Antioxidant enzymes For example, peroxidase glutathione (GPX) and thioredoxin -radctasis (TRXR). These cells of selenoproteins are protected from oxidative stress – the main villain in the history of heart disease.
Low selenium was associated with high cholesterol and triglycerides, higher oxidative stress and even poor heart enzyme function. But too much selenium can create reactive compounds that cause more harm than good. Thus, the heart praises the help of selenium – but only in moderation.
But there is a turn: not all benefit equally
It was found that depending on the condition of hypertension, depending on the condition of hypertension, depending on the state of hypertension. For people without high blood pressure, selenium consumption showed more pronounced advantages in reducing cardiovascular risks. For those with hypertension, the relationship was less clear.
This opens an important conversation: heart health solutions are not the only size. The lifestyle, the existing conditions and the overall diet affect how selenium plays its role.
Despite the convincing results, the full history of selenium and heart disease remains incomplete. Some studies do not show significant benefits from selenium supplements. Others show that too much selenium can cause oxidative damage – especially if it is not combined with other nutrients or consumed through natural food.
Studies based on Nkhannez had their strengths-big samples and careful adjustments, also restrictions. Being a cross section, it cannot prove the causes and consequences. Longer studies are needed to squeeze the exact role of selenium in cardiovascular protection.
