Prevents Mental Decline
It’s no secret that our mental faculties can decline as we age. We may find it harder to remember things, concentrate, or even keep up with the same level of mental stimulation we were used to. While there are many contributing factors to this age-related cognitive decline, a new study has suggested that selenium may play a role in preventing mental decline.
Researchers found that higher selenium levels were associated with better performance on tests of executive function. This cognitive skill set includes planning, working memory, and flexibility in adults 65 years and older.
Selenium helps reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to cognitive decline. Selenium may also help improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain and protecting brain cells from damage. In addition, some evidence suggests that selenium may help slow the progression of mental decline in people who already have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
More research needs to be done on the subject before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. In the meantime, including foods rich in selenium in the diet, such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, and seeds, is a good idea for overall health.
