What is Selenium? What Does It Do? What are the Benefits?

What is Selenium?

Selenium is an essential mineral that can help support the healthy functioning of the body, including metabolism, immune system and thyroid function.

What Does Selenium Do?

Selenium is essential for many processes:

• Thyroid hormone metabolism
• DNA synthesis
• Reproductive functions
• Infection prevention

What are the Benefits of Selenium?

May show antioxidant effect.

It reduces oxidative stress by controlling free radicals. Thus, it reduces the risk of possible chronic diseases. It has the ability to increase glutathione peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant in the body.

May have anti-aging properties.

Selenium acts as an antioxidant by supporting glutathione peroxidase, reducing oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage and regulating thyroid and immune function for overall anti-aging benefits.

May reduce cancer risk. 

It may reduce the risk of lung, colon and prostate cancers and the side effects of radiation therapy.

It may protect against heart disease.

Low selenium levels are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Selenium may reduce inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease.

May provide mental benefits.

Reduced selenium levels can be observed in people with Alzheimer's disease and selenium may reduce memory loss.

It is important for thyroid health.

Thyroid tissue contains more selenium than any other organ in the human body. And selenium plays an important role in the production of the hormones secreted there. Selenium can benefit people with Hashimoto's disease.

It boosts immunity.

Increased blood selenium levels are thought to be associated with increased immune response. Selenium supplements may help boost the immune system in people with influenza, tuberculosis and hepatitis C.

May help reduce asthma symptoms.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs. Selenium may help reduce asthma-related symptoms.

What are the Foods Containing Selenium?

Seafood, nuts and mushrooms.

• Oyster
• Sardine
• Beef liver
• Brown rice
• Cooked beans
• Sunflower seeds
• Chicken breast
• Egg
• Tuna fish
• Brazil nuts

What are the harms of taking too much selenium?

Toxicity is more likely to occur from taking supplements rather than eating foods containing selenium.
Symptoms of selenium toxicity include

• Hair loss
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Face flushing
• Tremors
• Muscle pain

What are the Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency?

• Infertility in men and women
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Mental fog
• Hair loss
• Weakened immune system

** Do not use selenium supplements without consulting your doctor.