7 Health Benefits of Selenium

April 12, 2022

Selenium is classified as a trace mineral, indicating that the body requires only a trace amount to function correctly. It can be found in naturally occurring foods or as a dietary supplement. Selenium is an essential component of various enzymes and proteins known as selenoproteins, which aid in the production of DNA and protect cells against damage and infection. These proteins are also involved in the process of reproduction and the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Even though muscle tissue contains the most significant amount of Selenium, the thyroid gland controls the highest concentration due to several selenoproteins that aid in the function of the thyroid gland. 

7 Health Benefits of Selenium

Science has proved that Selenium is an excellent nutrient that is highly beneficial to your health. Selenium is a vital mineral that must be absorbed through your food to be effective. Even though it is only required in trace amounts, it plays an integral part in several vital functions in your body, including metabolism and thyroid function. 

This article discusses seven health benefits of Selenium, all of which are supported by scientific evidence. 

1. It has high antioxidant properties. 

Antioxidants are chemicals found in specific food sources that help protect cells from the harm produced by free radicals. 

Free radicals are naturally occurring byproducts of biological processes such as metabolism created in your body daily. Free radicals are typically given a bad rap, yet they are beneficial to your health. Their roles are critical, and one of them is to defend your body from sickness. 

However, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress can result in more than free radicals. Oxidative stress is produced as a result, which damages healthy cells. In several studies, oxidative stress has been related to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, accelerated aging, and the risk of stroke. Antioxidants such as selenium help minimize oxidative stress by keeping the number of free radicals under control. 

 

2. It has the potential to lower your risk of some malignancies. 

In addition to helping to reduce oxidative stress, Selenium may also be beneficial in lowering the risk of some malignancies. 

Several studies have linked the mineral selenium to decreased DNA damage and oxidative stress, increased immune system function, and the destruction of tumor-bearing cells. An analysis of 69 research involving more than 350,000 participants discovered that having a high blood level of Selenium was connected with a lower risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung and colon cancers, and prostate cancer. 

It's crucial to highlight that this impact was only observed in people who consumed Selenium in their diets rather than through supplements. On the other hand, some study suggests that supplementing with Selenium may help decrease the adverse effects of radiation therapy in some patients. 

An investigation indicated that oral selenium supplements enhanced overall quality of life and reduced radiation-induced diarrhea in women with cervical and uterine cancer, among other findings. Oxidative stress causes cell damage. Therefore antioxidants act by neutralizing excess free radicals and shielding cells from this harm. 

 

3. It has the potential to protect against heart disease. 

Because low selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, eating a diet high in Selenium may be beneficial. 

According to a meta-analysis of 25 observational studies, a 50 percent increase in blood selenium levels was associated with a 24 percent reduction in the risk of developing heart disease. Selenium may also have an anti-inflammatory effect on your body, one of the most critical risk factors for heart disease. 

According to a study of 16 controlled research, which included approximately 433,000 participants with heart disease, taking selenium supplements lowered the blood's inflammatory marker C-reactive protein levels. 

This suggests that Selenium may be beneficial in lowering the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Atherosclerosis, often known as plaque development in the arteries, has been linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. Atherosclerosis can result in life-threatening health complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease if left untreated. 

It is highly beneficial to include selenium-rich foods in your diet as a strategy to reduce the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation on your body. 

 

4. Aids in the prevention of mental deterioration 

Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating ailment that causes memory loss and has a detrimental impact on one's ability to think and behave rationally. It is the sixth most significant cause of mortality after heart disease and cancer. 

The number of persons who have Alzheimer's disease continues to rise. As a result, discovering solutions to prevent this degenerative disease is necessary. Oxidative stress is thought to play a role in developing and progressing neurological illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. 

Several investigations have revealed that patients with Alzheimer's disease had lower amounts of Selenium in their blood than the general population. Additionally, several studies have discovered that antioxidants containing meals and supplements may help patients with Alzheimer's disease enhance their memory. 

According to the researchers, one study discovered that supplementing with one selenium-rich Brazilian nut per day helped patients with mild cognitive impairment improve their verbal fluency and other mental processes. Researchers have found a link between the Mediterranean diet, rich in high-selenium foods such as seafood and nuts, and a lower chance of acquiring Alzheimer's disease. 

 

5. It is essential for the health of the thyroid. 

When it comes to thyroid gland health, Selenium is vital. The thyroid gland contains more Selenium than any other organ in the human body, making it the most important. Known for its potent antioxidant properties, this mineral aids in protecting the thyroid against oxidative damage and is required to produce thyroid hormones. 

A functioning thyroid gland is vital because it affects your metabolism and growth and development in children and adolescents. Thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, in which the immune system assaults the thyroid gland, have been linked to selenium insufficiency. Selenium deficiency has also been linked to anemia. 

It was discovered in observational research that low serum selenium levels were associated with an increased incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. The study included more than 6,000 participants. Additionally, some research has indicated that taking selenium supplements may benefit persons with Hashimoto's disease. 

According to one study, using selenium supplements regularly for three months led to decreased thyroid antibody levels. It also improved mood and general well-being in those suffering from Hashimoto's disease. 

 

6. It helps to strengthen your immune system. 

Your immune system is responsible for keeping your body healthy by identifying and combating potential threats to your health, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as examples of these pathogens. 

Selenium is essential for the health of your immune system. This antioxidant aids in reducing oxidative stress in the body, removing inflammation, and enhancing immunity. According to research, increased selenium levels have been connected with an elevated immunological response in the blood. 

Immune cell function has been demonstrated to be impaired in the presence of a deficit, which may result in a delayed immune response. 

Studies have also found a link between deficiency and an increased risk of death and illness progression in HIV-positive individuals. On the other hand, selenium supplementation has resulted in fewer hospitalizations and improved symptoms for these patients. 

Individuals suffering from influenza, TB, and hepatitis C may benefit from taking selenium supplements to help improve their immune systems. 

 

7. It may assist in lessening asthma symptoms. 

Chronic bronchitis and asthma are airways diseases responsible for transporting air into and out of the lungs. 

Because of the inflammation and narrowing in these air passages, symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing can be experienced. It has been shown that asthma is connected with elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Because of Selenium's potential to reduce inflammation, some research suggests that this mineral may be beneficial in treating asthma symptoms. 

According to research, those with asthma have decreased selenium levels in their blood. The findings of one study revealed that asthmatic individuals with high serum selenium levels had improved lung function than those with low serum levels. 

Selenium supplements may also be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of asthma. A recent study discovered that treating asthma patients with 200 micrograms of Selenium per day lowered their need for corticosteroid drugs to regulate their symptoms. 

There is. However, scientists agree that more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the function of Selenium in the development and treatment of asthma. 

 

The most beneficial dietary sources of Selenium 

Fortunately, Selenium may be found in high concentrations in various nutritious foods. 

Among the best sources are the foods listed below: 

• Oysters 
• Brazilian nuts
• Eggs from yellowfin tuna
• Sardines 
• Sunflower seeds 
• Chicken breasts
• Shiitake mushrooms

When it comes to plant-based foods, the amount of Selenium in them varies depending on the amount of Selenium in the soil they were cultivated. As a result, the amounts of Selenium in crops are determined mainly by the region they are grown. 

For example, one study found that the selenium concentration in Brazilian nuts varied greatly depending on where the nuts were grown. While a single Brazilian nut from one section of the country may give up to 288 percent of the needed daily consumption, others only give 11 percent of the recommended daily intake. 

To ensure that you get enough Selenium, eat a balanced diet that includes more than one good source of this essential mineral. 

 

Takeaways

Your body requires Selenium, a potent mineral necessary for its normal functioning. It is essential for metabolism, thyroid function, and protecting the body against oxidative stress. Furthermore, Selenium may assist in strengthening your immune system, decrease the progression of age-related mental decline, and even lower your risk of developing heart disease. 

This vitamin can be found in various foods, including oysters, mushrooms, and Brazilian nuts. Including more selenium-rich items in your diet is an excellent approach to keeping your health in tip-top shape. 

However, a diet alone may not meet the required levels of Selenium that are necessary for good health. Therefore, supplementing your diet with Vitanergy's Selenium may provide you with several benefits, including boosting immune function, improving hair and nail health, and supporting a healthy thyroid. Click here to learn more.

 

 

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