Discover Why Selenium Is Important for Your Diet and Wellbeing

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Selenium is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in our overall health and wellbeing.

Selenium is an essential mineral that acts as an antioxidant in our body, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

It's a powerful protector of our immune system, and research has shown that selenium can help to boost our immune function by up to 30%.

A deficiency in selenium can lead to a weakened immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold and flu.

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What Is Selenium?

Selenium is a powerful tool used for automating web browsers, allowing developers to write scripts that interact with websites and web applications.

Selenium is an open-source tool, which means it's free to use and can be modified by anyone.

It supports multiple programming languages, including Java, Python, and C#, making it a versatile choice for developers.

Selenium is widely used for automating tasks such as filling out forms, clicking buttons, and verifying that web pages are working correctly.

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Selenium's ability to handle multiple browsers and platforms makes it a valuable asset for cross-browser testing and ensuring that web applications are compatible with different browsers and operating systems.

Selenium is also used for test automation, allowing developers to write scripts that can be run repeatedly to ensure that web applications are working as expected.

Selenium's flexibility and scalability make it a popular choice for large-scale web applications and enterprise environments.

Benefits of Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in our overall health. It's a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage, and it's also involved in many other important bodily functions.

Selenium can help boost our immune system, making us less susceptible to illnesses like the flu and common colds. It's also been shown to slow down the progression of diseases like HIV.

Selenium has a synergistic effect with other antioxidants like vitamin E, enabling our body to defend against cancers like prostate and colon cancer.

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A meta-analysis of 25 studies found that increasing selenium concentrations by 50% decreased the risk of heart disease by 24%. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Selenium can also help lower oxidative stress, a condition in which free radicals and antioxidants are unbalanced in the body, leading to cellular damage. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease.

Selenium acts as an antioxidant, balancing out free radicals in the body and preventing them from causing cellular damage. It's worth noting that free radicals are natural byproducts of some essential processes in our body, but external sources like pollution and cigarette smoke can also produce them.

Selenium supplementation at high doses has been shown to potentially have anti-cancer effects, reducing the risk of cancer incidence, cancer-caused mortality, and the severity of cancers, particularly in the liver, prostate, colorectal, and lungs.

Here are some of the key benefits of selenium:

Selenium is an essential mineral that can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. By incorporating it into our diet or supplementing with it, we can help protect ourselves against a range of diseases and conditions.

Health Effects of Selenium

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Selenium has been shown to lower DNA damage and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to cancer risk.

Selenium has proven capable of reducing cancer risk by acting as an antioxidant and balancing out free radicals in the body.

A study found that higher blood selenium levels were associated with lower rates of several types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

Research has also shown that selenium may be effective at reducing the risk of cancer incidence, cancer-caused mortality, and severity of cancers – specifically in the liver, prostate, colorectal, and lungs.

A high dose of 200 milligrams a day of selenium has been shown to be effective in protecting DNA, which can reduce the risk for cell mutation and cancer development.

Selenium has been found to lower antibodies in participants with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the thyroid gland.

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Selenium supplementation has been shown to successfully lower antibodies in participants with Hashimoto’s in one study, and another found that the two highest consumption rates of dietary selenium were associated with a lower risk of developing subclinical hypothyroidism.

Selenium has been linked to a lower risk of developing subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid is underactive but not to a degree at which healthcare providers prescribe thyroid hormone replacement.

Selenium has been shown to improve an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid gland called thyroiditis, and also other thyroid conditions like Graves’ disease, Graves’ orbitopathy, and cretinism.

Selenium may help to lower the risk of developing thyroid disease, and may also benefit people with existing thyroid disease.

Selenium has been found to decrease the risk of heart disease by 24% when increasing selenium concentrations by 50% in the blood and toenails.

Selenium may also lower inflammation markers, such as serum C-reactive protein, and raise levels of a powerful antioxidant called glutathione peroxidase.

Selenium has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to lower the risk of coronary heart disease.

Selenium can balance out free radicals in the body and prevent them from causing cellular damage associated with oxidative stress.

Selenium acts as an antioxidant, which can help to prevent damage from free radicals in the body.

Thyroid Health and Selenium

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Selenium plays a vital role in maintaining thyroid health. The thyroid gland has the highest concentration of selenium in the body, and this mineral is essential for producing thyroid hormone.

A selenium deficiency can lead to a range of thyroid issues, including hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an enlarged thyroid (goiter), thyroid cancer, and Graves' disease. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping.

Selenium helps regulate the production of reactive oxygen within the thyroid gland and protects it from antibodies that can create thyroid disease. This makes it a powerful protector of the thyroid, and research suggests that it may help patients with Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, and pregnant women with anti-TPO antibodies.

In adults, the thyroid gland requires selenium to synthesize iodine into thyroid hormone. Iodine is the building block of thyroid hormone, and selenium is necessary for its proper production.

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Here are some thyroid issues associated with selenium deficiency:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Subclinical hypothyroidism
  • Autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis
  • An enlarged thyroid (goiter)
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Graves' disease

Supplementing with selenium has been shown to improve autoimmune diseases that target the thyroid gland, such as thyroiditis. It may also benefit other thyroid conditions, including Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and cretinism.

Selenium Deficiency and Supplementation

Selenium deficiency is a real concern for some people, but the good news is that it's relatively rare in the United States. However, certain groups are at a higher risk, including those with intestinal, digestive, or absorption issues like Crohn's disease, or those who have had gastric bypass surgery.

The average daily intake of selenium in the U.S. is 125 micrograms per day, which far exceeds the recommended daily allowance of 55 micrograms for adults. But, even with adequate intake, some people may still be at risk due to factors like living in areas with selenium-deficient soil or undergoing kidney dialysis.

If you're concerned about your selenium levels, you can have a blood or hair test done by your doctor. However, these tests are not always accurate, and experts recommend that you only get tested if you're at high risk of deficiency.

Here are some groups that are at a higher risk of selenium deficiency:

  • Intestinal, digestive, or absorption issues like Crohn's disease
  • Having had gastric bypass surgery
  • Living in an area with selenium-deficient soil
  • Undergoing kidney dialysis
  • Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Causes of Deficiency

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Selenium deficiency can sneak up on you if you're not paying attention to your diet and lifestyle. Certain groups of people are more likely to be deficient, including those who live in areas with selenium-deficient soil.

In the United States, the average daily intake of selenium is 125 micrograms, which far exceeds the recommended daily allowance of 55 micrograms. However, some populations may not be getting enough, such as those living in the Eastern Coastal Plain and the Pacific Northwest, where the soil is low in selenium.

Consuming foods grown in poor quality soil can also lead to a selenium deficiency. Even within the same food, levels of selenium can vary widely depending on the soil conditions. For example, populations in the U.S. of the Eastern Coastal Plain and the Pacific Northwest have the lowest selenium levels due to the soil in those areas.

Some medical conditions can also increase your risk of selenium deficiency, including Kashin-Beck disease, a chronic bone disorder, and HIV. If you have a condition that puts you at risk, you may want to consider having your selenium levels tested.

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Here are some risk factors for selenium deficiency:

  • Not eating selenium foods very often.
  • Living in the U.S, certain parts of Europe, China, or Africa — The content of selenium in soil differs a lot depending on the location.
  • Consuming foods grown in poor quality soil.
  • Being affected by Kashin-Beck disease, a chronic bone disorder.
  • Undergoing kidney dialysis and living with HIV.

It's worth noting that if you're generally healthy and include natural food sources of selenium in your diet regularly, the risk of a deficiency is relatively low.

Supplementation and Dosage

Selenium supplements can be a good idea for some people, but it's essential to get the dosage right. You can find selenium supplements in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.

The recommended daily allowance for selenium depends on your age and gender. For healthy people aged 14 and over, the recommended daily intake is 55 mcg. Pregnant women need 60 mcg, and breastfeeding women need 70 mcg.

The tolerable upper limit of selenium is 400 mcg per day. Consuming too much selenium can lead to side effects or toxicity. It's crucial to choose a supplement that has been approved by a third-party agency such as NSF International or ConsumerLab.com.

If you're considering taking selenium supplements, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an RD or RDN, a pharmacist, or a healthcare provider. They can help you determine the best dosage and ensure that you're not exceeding the recommended limit.

Here are the recommended daily allowances for selenium in micrograms (mcg):

Food Sources and Recipes

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Selenium is found in many foods, but if you don't eat animal-derived products, you're in luck because whole grain products like cereal, pasta, and bread are great sources. They contain about twice as much selenium as refined ones.

A single cup of cooked oatmeal contains about 40% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. Brazil nuts are also an excellent source of selenium, but they're in a class of their own.

Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are other decent sources of selenium, and you can even get some from seed pastes like tahini.

What Is Good For?

Selenium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in our overall health. It's found in many foods and can also be taken as a supplement.

Selenium helps to protect the heart by reducing the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. It's also involved in synthesizing thyroid hormones, which is essential for thyroid health.

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Research suggests that selenium may help with Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, and other thyroid conditions. It's also been shown to have brain-protective properties, which can help reduce cognitive decline.

Selenium is found in skeletal muscles, where it's stored at a rate of 28% to 46% of the body's total selenium. It's also found in the thyroid gland, which is the highest concentration of selenium in the body.

Adequate selenium intake has been associated with higher cognitive function scores in adults over 65. However, more research is needed to learn how selenium and selenoproteins function in the cardiovascular system.

Here are some foods that are rich in selenium:

* FoodsSelenium Content (mcg per serving)Tuna (3 oz serving)91 mcgBeef (3 oz serving)30 mcgChicken (3 oz serving)15 mcgShrimp (3 oz serving)31 mcg

By including these foods in your diet, you can help ensure you're getting enough selenium to support your overall health.

Plant-Based Recipes

If you're looking for plant-based recipes that are rich in selenium, you're in luck. Brazil nuts are one of the highest sources of selenium, and they're a great addition to many dishes.

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Brazil nut butter is a delicious and creamy spread that's packed with selenium. It's also super easy to make at home by blending roasted Brazil nuts with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.

One of the simplest ways to incorporate more selenium into your diet is to add Brazil nuts to your oatmeal or yogurt. Just sprinkle a few chopped nuts on top and enjoy the nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

Here are some plant-based recipes that are rich in selenium:

  • Brazil Nut Butter: Blend 1 cup of roasted Brazil nuts with 1/4 cup of coconut oil and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and store in the fridge for up to a week.
  • All-American Plant-Based Burger: Top a juicy black bean patty with sliced mushrooms, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a selenium-rich meal.
  • Selenium-Rich Oatmeal: Add 1/4 cup of chopped Brazil nuts to your oatmeal along with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
  • Creamy Mushroom Soup: Blend 1 cup of cooked mushrooms with 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra selenium.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity and some knowledge of plant-based recipes, you can easily incorporate more selenium into your diet and enjoy the many health benefits that come with it.

Consume in Moderation

Selenium is an essential nutrient that's crucial for our health, but it's equally important to consume it in moderation.

The daily recommended intake of selenium varies depending on age and life stage. For healthy people aged 14 and over, the recommended amount is 55 mcg per day.

Pregnant people require a slightly higher intake of 60 mcg per day, while breastfeeding people need 70 mcg per day.

It's worth noting that you can safely take in up to 400 mcg per day from all sources, including food and supplements.

Patricia Dach

Junior Copy Editor

Patricia Dach is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, she ensures that articles are polished and error-free. Her expertise spans a range of topics, from technology to lifestyle, and she is well-versed in various style guides.

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