What is Selenium – What Foods Should You Eat to Maintain Healthy Levels of Selenium?
Health Benefits of Selenium
In case you’ve never heard of selenium before, you should know that it is a trace element found in soil. Although it’s not naturally found in the human body, small amounts of this substance are necessary for optimal human health. Scientific tests and studies performed over the years have revealed that selenium is essential for many functions of the body that we often take for granted, including those of the testes, kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas. It might surprise you to know that this minimal substance can be found in literally every cell in your body.
If you want to be healthy you want to make sure you have good levels of selenium. Selenium acts as a powerful anti-oxidant. Taking a selenium supplement can guarantee that you always have a high level of this powerful substance in your system. Selenium is an important trace mineral that the body needs. This nutrient is a vital part of antioxidant enzymes that protect our cells against free radicals. Selenium is also important for a healthy immune system and the thyroid gland.
What foods contain selenium?
Plant foods are the biggest dietary sources of selenium throughout the world. Selenium also can be found in some meats and seafood. Animals that eat grains or plants that were grown in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of selenium in their muscle. In the US, meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Some nuts like Castanhas de caju and Cashew nuts are also great sources of selenium.
Selenium Benefits and Supplements
If you’d like to take advantage of all the health benefits of selenium offers, you might be wondering where you can find selenium benefits and supplements. The truth is that you can add selenium to your diet simply by eating more Brazil nuts, poultry, seafood, meats, oats and brown rice. However, if these aren’t food you think you can make a part of your weekly diet, you should know that many natural health food stores carry selenium supplements that can be taken along with your daily vitamin in the morning or afternoon.