Originally published January 15 2006
UNC study finds that high levels of selenium can help protect your body against the flu
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Researchers at University of North Carolina say that eating oatmeal, rich in the mineral selenium, could prove an effective protection against flu and other viruses.
Research suggests oatmeal and many other foods may help protect you from the flu and help treat arthritis.
The flu vaccine may be your best bet to prevent the ailment; however, if you get the flu, your diet may help determine how sick you get.
Researchers at University of North Carolina are investigating an earlier discovery that suggests low levels of the nutrient selenium trigger the flu virus to mutate into a more dangerous form.
Selenium, which is found in a variety of foods, is a nutrient that helps protect cells from damage.
The mineral may also play a role in preventing the ache of arthritis.
A second UNC study of nearly 1,000 people indicated a link between low levels of selenium and a risk of arthritis in the knees.
"The lower the selenium levels were, the more severe the arthritis," UNC arthritis researcher Dr. Joanne Jordan said.
"This would suggest to us that maybe selenium is involved in the progression of arthritis."
Researchers said the nutrient will not provide a cure-all for achy joints or the flu, but they believe the findings indicate an importance to follow a healthy diet.
They said most Americans get enough selenium in their daily diet through soil and plant foods, meats and seafood.
Selenium also has toxic properties if consumed in excess, so the Institute of Medicine has established a tolerable upper limit for adults at 400 micrograms per day.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml