What is Selenium?

Selenium is a mineral. It is found in many foods. It helps to support the healthy functioning of the body by supporting immune system, metabolism and thyroid function. The body requires little selenium, but it is an essential mineral, and plays an important role in your body.

Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body from excess free radicals, which can cause damage from oxidative stress and harm healthy cells. Oxidative stress is linked to disease.

Selenium may help to reduce your risk of certain cancers. A higher blood level of selenium has been shown to lower risk of breast, lung, colon and prostrate cancers.

Selenium may help to protect against heart disease by helping to lower markers for inflammation and oxidative stress, and that can lead to atherosclerosis, a build up of plaque in the arteries.

Selenium may help protect against cognitive decline. Oxidative stress is believed to be involved in both the onset and progression of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, MS, and Alzheimer’s.

Selenium is important for thyroid health. Thyroid tissue contains a higher level of selenium than anywhere else in the body. It plays an important role in production of thyroid hormones.

Selenium has been shown to boost your immune system and is crucial for its health and proper functioning.

Where to Get It

The best dietary sources of selenium are in fish such as halibut and tuna, chicken and eggs. Plant based sources include Brazil nuts, Sunflower seeds and shiitake mushrooms.

Although selenium is crucial to health, too much can be toxic, even dangerous. Recommended amount is 55mcg a day. For example Brazil nuts contain a high amount, consuming too much can be toxic.

Signs of selenium toxicity include:

  • hair loss
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • facial flushing
  • tremors
  • muscle soreness

Acute selenium toxicity can lead to serious intestinal and neurological issues, and even death, so don’t overdo a good thing.

Selenium is important to maintain proper functioning of the body, immune system, and helps slows cognitive decline, and may even help to prevent heart disease. Adding more selenium rich foods to your diet is a great way to maintain health.

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/selenium-benefits