Selenium is an essential mineral. It’s only needed in small amounts, but it is vital we’re obtaining it in the diet.
Selenium is also a powerful antioxidant, which is important for the protection against oxidative stress with high activity as a free radical scavenger.
It also works synergistically with Vitamin E to carry out its antioxidant functions.
Selenium also plays an important role in thyroid health, protecting the thyroid against oxidative damage and the production of thyroid hormones. A healthy functioning thyroid gland is vital, as it regulates our metabolism, controlling growth and development.
Scientific evidence has illustrated Selenium's effects in:
Slowing down the ageing process by increasing the flexibility of tissues
helps to prevent mental decline
Relieving symptoms that occur during menopause
Increasing the macrophages activity and the production of immunoglobulins
Selenium Food Sources
I am often recommending a handful of Brazil nuts as a healthy snack, as they are a great source of selenium, as well as protein and heal fats. Plus Brazil nuts are delicious.
One tip to remember is that the quantity of selenium in plant-based foods can vary depending on the selenium content of the soil in which they were grown. It's worth checking where they have been grown.
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