Selenium – what it is, food, benefits and deficiency!

Selenium contains several antioxidants that not only treat inflammation but also fight dangerous free radicals . So if you want a much stronger immune system , a sharper mind and a much younger appearance, start consuming foods enriched with selenium . There is no doubt that it is essential for your well-being.

It helps the reproductive system, detoxifies the body, supports cardiovascular health, contributes to good thyroid health and boosts the body’s immunity.

What is selenium?

It is a mineral that is naturally present in many food items. You can find supplements made with selenium as well. It has two types; organic and inorganic.

However, both are effective and necessary to maintain a healthy body. Since it is mainly obtained from a natural source, the risks of adverse reactions are lower.

Health benefits of selenium:

1. Reproductive system:

Several studies have concluded that regular consumption of selenium can increase fertility in both males and females. These studies also confirmed that regular intake promotes sperm locomotion.

It is considered as one of the essential minerals for your well-being and its deficiency can cause male infertility. Some studies even suggest that a lack of selenium negatively affects fetal growth and female fertility.

2. Detoxifying:

You can find a number of ways to detoxify your body, which is good as your body accumulates toxins from the diet that people normally consume, which mainly consists of processed foods.

It is essential to detoxify your body to keep your liver and other organs healthy. You need to consume foods that fight pollutants like heavy metals.

Your body also takes a lot of environmental damage, which is why it’s even more important to incorporate selenium supplements or a mineral-rich diet to detoxify your liver .

3. Cardiovascular health:

There are numerous reasons that negatively affect your cardiovascular health and the best thing you can do besides being active and eating healthy is to include foods that contain selenium .

It is naturally present in chicken , turkey, and tuna, which are all foods that are good for your heart too, if eaten in moderation. According to cardiologists, people with selenium deficiency often fall prey to heart disease and hypertension.

Several studies have also concluded that when combined with other nutrients such as beta-carotene and vitamin E , it normalizes higher cholesterol levels, which is good for your arteries.

4. Fights free radicals:

It is evident that free radical cells are the cause of distressing diseases such as cancer. You are required to fight these free radicals as they can cause more health problems.

More than that, these cancer cells kill off healthy cells and create an acidic environment inside your body where bad cells thrive and keep multiplying and metastasizing.

This leads to numerous health conditions such as a weak immune system and premature aging. Being a powerful antioxidant, selenium effectively fights free radical cells.

5. Thyroid health:

Thyroid health is a little discussed topic. A minor problem with your thyroid can lead you to develop a slew of health complications, totally disrupting your hormones.

These hormones contribute to metabolic and growth processes. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to properly produce all the necessary hormones in your body.

Selenium deficiency:

While selenium is necessary for health, getting too much can be dangerous. In fact, consuming high doses of selenium can be toxic and even fatal.

Although toxicity is rare, it is important to stay close to the recommended dose of 55 mcg per day and never exceed the tolerable upper limit of 400 mcg per day.

Brazil nuts contain a very high amount. Therefore, consuming too many can lead to toxicity. However, toxicity is more likely from taking supplements than from eating foods that contain selenium .

Signs of selenium toxicity:

1. hair loss ;
2. Dizziness;
3. nausea ;
4. vomiting ;
5. Facial Wash;
6. tremors;
7. Dor Muscular;

In severe cases, acute toxicity can lead to severe intestinal and neurological symptoms, heart attack, kidney failure, and death.