Results of a new study into prostate cancer and selenium have added further evidence to the belief that supplementary selenium may cut the risk of developing the disease. Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center found that men with the lowest blood levels of selenium were four-to-five times more likely to develop prostate cancer, than those who had higher levels of the mineral, even after the researchers had taken other risk factors for the disease into account. Selenium is a trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant, and therefore helps to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. It is found naturally in walnuts, Brazil nuts, and tuna.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: The Journal of Urology 2001; 166:2034-2038