In case you’ve never heard of selenium before, you should know that it is a trace element found in soil. Although it’s not naturally found in the human body, small amounts of this substance are necessary for optimal human health. Scientific tests and studies performed over the years have revealed that selenium is essential for many functions of the body that we often take for granted, including those of the testes, kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas. It might surprise you to know that this minimal substance can be found in literally every cell in your body. Let’s see the Potential Benefits of Selenium.
Health Benefits of Selenium
If you want to be healthy you want to make sure you have good levels of selenium. Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant. Taking a selenium supplement can guarantee that you always have a high level of this powerful substance in your system. Selenium is an important trace mineral that the body needs. This nutrient is a vital part of antioxidant enzymes that protect our cells against free radicals. Selenium is also important for a healthy immune system and the thyroid gland
What foods contain selenium?
Plant foods are the biggest dietary sources of selenium throughout the world. Selenium also can be found in some meats and seafood. Animals that eat grains or plants that were grown in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of selenium in their muscle. In the US, meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Some nuts like Castanhas de caju and Cashew nuts are also great sources of selenium.
Selenium Benefits and Supplements
If you’d like to take advantage of all the potential benefits Selenium offers, you might be wondering where you can find selenium benefits and supplements. The truth is that you can add selenium to your diet simply by eating more Brazil nuts, poultry, seafood, meats, oats, and brown rice. However, if these aren’t food you think you can make a part of your weekly diet, you should know that many natural health food stores carry selenium supplements that can be taken along with your daily vitamin in the morning or afternoon.
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Selenium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in several bodily functions, including antioxidant defense, immune system function, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Here are some tips for eating more foods with selenium:
- Eat selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium, with just one nut providing over 100% of the recommended daily intake. Other good sources of selenium include seafood, such as tuna, shrimp, and salmon, as well as poultry, beef, and eggs.
- Incorporate selenium-rich herbs and spices: Herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and turmeric are also good sources of selenium. Try adding these ingredients to your meals to boost your selenium intake.
- Choose selenium-rich whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat, and quinoa are good sources of selenium. Choose whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereals to increase your selenium intake.
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables: While fruits and vegetables are not typically high in selenium, they provide other important nutrients that work with selenium to support overall health. Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get a wide range of nutrients.
Some of the potential benefits of selenium include:
- Antioxidant defense: Selenium helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules produced by the body.
- Immune system support: Selenium plays a role in the immune system by helping to protect against infections and other diseases.
- Thyroid hormone metabolism: Selenium is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and other bodily functions.
- Cancer prevention: Some studies have suggested that selenium may help to prevent certain types of cancer, such as prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer.
It’s important to note that while selenium is essential for good health, getting too much can be harmful. The recommended daily intake for selenium is 55 mcg per day for adults, and it’s best to get selenium from food sources rather than supplements unless directed by a healthcare provider.