One reason for a dietary deficiency in vitamin E is stored food. Add to that poor growing conditions, long transportation before reaching the marketplace, and high cooking temperatures. Vitamin E is important for the health of skeletal muscle, helping to protect it during exercise from free radical damage. There is also evidence that it protects the liver from toxic overload from certain chemicals. It also appears to help the body keep the blood from excessive stickiness or thickening and clotting.
Health benefits make up a long list in research report compilations.
Selenium - The availability of this mineral's content in any given soil varies in different parts of the country, making it difficult to be sure you are getting the necessary dietary intake. American consumers have been shown to be near the bottom of the list in 27 countries studied for proper selenium consumption. Among other benefits, selenium is being studied for its effects on shielding the body from harmful chemicals in the environment. These include air pollution, pesticides, industrial solvents, preservatives and even perfumes. Another interesting fact about selenium is that about half of the male body's supply is located in the reproductive system.