The Surprising Health Benefits of Selenium: Why Your Body Needs It
Do you ever wonder if you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs to function optimally? While a healthy diet is critical, it’s still possible to miss out on essential nutrients, such as selenium.
Selenium is a trace mineral that’s essential for many bodily functions and has many health benefits. While it’s only needed in small amounts, selenium plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and wellness.
In this article, we’ll explore the many surprising health benefits of selenium and why your body needs it.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that can be found in soil, water, and some foods. It’s an essential nutrient needed in small amounts to maintain overall health and wellness.
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it helps protect your body from free radicals. It’s also critical for thyroid function, DNA production, and healthy immune system function.
Surprising Health Benefits of Selenium
1. Boosts Immune System Function
Selenium plays a critical role in maintaining healthy immune system function. It helps increase the production of white blood cells and enhances the action of natural killer cells.
Studies have shown that a deficiency in selenium can lead to a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illness.
2. Protects Against Certain Cancers
Research suggests that selenium intake may protect against certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
Selenium is thought to help prevent cancer by reducing oxidative stress, improving DNA repair, and enhancing immune system function, all of which play a role in the development of cancer.
3. Enhances Heart Health
Selenium is essential for heart health. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering inflammation and reducing oxidative stress.
Selenium also supports healthy levels of cholesterol by inhibiting its oxidation. Elevated levels of oxidized cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
4. Improves Thyroid Function
Selenium is essential for healthy thyroid function. Your thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and energy production.
Without proper levels of selenium, your thyroid gland can’t produce enough hormones, leading to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Sources of Selenium
Selenium can be found in many foods, including:
– Brazil nuts
– Tuna
– Halibut
– Sardines
– Turkey
– Chicken
– Eggs
– Shiitake mushrooms
– Sunflower seeds
The RDA for selenium is 55 mcg per day for adults. However, many experts recommend consuming slightly more, around 200 mcg per day, to fully experience the health benefits of selenium.
Conclusion
Selenium is an essential mineral needed in small amounts for optimal health. While it’s critical for immune system function, heart health, and thyroid function, it’s also essential for protecting against certain types of cancer.
To ensure you’re getting enough selenium, include selenium-rich foods in your diet, such as Brazil nuts, tuna, and shiitake mushrooms. And if you’re concerned about your selenium intake, talk to your healthcare provider about whether or not a selenium supplement is right for you.
