With the rate of prostate cancer increasing, a great alternative to reducing the risk is Selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral found in foods such as Brazil nuts and walnuts. In a nutshell, (excuse the pun) it acts as an antioxidant, assisting in the neutralizing byproducts of normal metabolism called free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells and contribute to cancer. The antioxidant enzyme, that Selenium is needed to produce to protect the body is called glutathione peroxidase. This enzyme is also important in the prevention of cardiomegaly, an enlargement of the heart that causes premature aging and early death.

There is also supportive evidence that low blood levels of selenium could possibly result in an increased risk of prostate cancer. Studies have also shown that selenium intake in supplemental form may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

In one particular study, researchers evaluated selenium levels in blood samples from 52 men with prostate cancer. The blood samples were provided prior to the diagnosis of prostate cancer as well as after the diagnosis. A comparison was then done with this group and 96 otherwise healthy men who had periodically had their blood selenium levels measured. The researcher’s findings were that prostate cancer risk was significantly higher in the group of men with the lowest selenium blood levels, compared with the groups with higher levels. Did you know that low selenium is associated with a 4- to 5-fold increased risk of prostate cancer? Well, that was the primary discovery of this study.

Here’s another interesting note. Low selenium levels remained a risk factor even after the researchers took into account other factors such as age, smoking and alcohol use: The Journal of Urology December 2001;166:2034-2038

Further research indicates that most people are not getting enough Selenium. So, the big question I know your dying to ask is “where can I find selenium?” For starters, there are egg yolks, seafood, poultry, liver and muscle meats. Certain vegetables such as garlic, onions, broccoli, asparagus and tomatoes are also a good source. And last but not least, seeds and one of my personal favorites, whole grains are great sources of selenium. The best source of selenium in food is probably Brazil nuts. One large nut can provide over 50 mcg of selenium. These nuts also contain ellagic acid, which is another anticancer substance.

Here’s the stickler. The amount of selenium contained in vegetables and grains depends on the content of the mineral in the soil in which they are grown. Aside from that, much of the processing that your food endures prior to reaching the grocery store can strip it of significant amounts of selenium. This means that it can be a tad bit difficult to truly assess how much selenium your diets are actually providing.

To truly obtain the amount of selenium that the body needs to effectively reap the optimum health benefits, there are a couple of steps you can take. First, choose foods that are more organically grown. According to “Alternative Medicine” author Burton Goldberg, organically grown foods not only contain higher levels of selenium, but they also contain higher levels of beta carotene and vitamin E which work synergistically with selenium to prevent cancer.

My second recommendation is pretty simple and straightforward. Take Selenium in supplement form. With this method, you’ll know exactly how much selenium your body is getting everyday.

Either choice is a great way to provide your body with one of the most effective minerals known to man in the prevention of prostate cancer.