Mineral Traced to Potential Brain Aging Reduction, Aid Post-Stroke Recovery
Selenium, a trace mineral essential for the proper functioning of various bodily processes, plays a significant role in cognitive health as well. This mineral, required in small quantities, is crucial for reproduction, thyroid function, and protection against free radicals and infections.
Recent research from the University of Queensland in Australia suggests that selenium could be a potent ally in combatting cognitive decline associated with aging and stroke. The study revealed that selenium supplements could boost the learning and memory power of older brains and potentially reverse the cognitive decline that follows a stroke.
Dr. Tara Walker, the lead researcher, stated that "while we've known for decades that exercise can create new neurons in the brain, we didn't fully understand how" and that exercise elevates levels of a protein needed to transport selenium in the blood, allowing it to perform its brain-saving work. However, she also notes that for those unable to exercise or move around due to age or illness, merely taking dietary selenium supplements may help generate new neurons and boost cognitive function.
The Queensland research team's experiments with older mice, whose new neuron generation rapidly decreases with age, indicated that selenium supplements increased neuron production and helped reverse cognitive deficits observed in aging. In addition, the study found that learning and memory deficits of stroke-affected mice returned to normal when given selenium supplements.
These findings open new possibilities for boosting cognitive function in people who are unable to exercise due to poor health or old age, according to Dr. Walker. However, she emphasizes that taking selenium supplements should not be considered a substitute for exercise and a balanced diet, but rather a beneficial supplement for older individuals, particularly those with neurological conditions.
For individuals seeking to ensure they receive an adequate amount of selenium through their diet, foods such as Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, halibut, turkey, beef liver, chicken, cottage cheese, brown rice, eggs, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, and baked beans are good sources. The daily safe upper limit for selenium supplementation is 400 micrograms, with anything above this level possibly leading to health issues such as fever or nausea.
While selenium's impact on brain aging in humans still requires further exploration, the potential benefits for cognitive health and recovery from stroke in older individuals are promising. As future research continues, understanding selenium's role and its potential therapeutic applications in neurological conditions could become increasingly significant.
- The University of Queensland's research indicates that selenium supplements could potentially reverse cognitive decline in older adults and those who have suffered a stroke.
- Selenium, an essential mineral crucial for brain function, may be a key component in health-and-wellness supplements for mental-health and cognitive wellbeing.
- Selenium supplements, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, could have potential benefits for older individuals and those with neurological conditions.
- As nutrition plays a vital role in aging, understanding the therapeutic applications of selenium supplements in aging and mental health could lead to innovative therapies-and-treatments for cognitive health.
