Selenium is an unpopular and underrated nutrient. Even though it has a boatload of health benefits, most people never even hear its name.
Selenium is an essential mineral, meaning that you must obtain it from your diet. It can perform its functions even in small amounts — which makes it a great supplement ingredient.
Benefits
1. Acts As An Antioxidant
If you didn’t know already, antioxidants are compounds that assist our bodies in fighting off harmful molecules called free radicals.
Although moderate levels of free radicals are beneficial for your health, in excess, they can lead to oxidative stress — which can lead to some of the worst health issues.
Oxidative stress is directly linked to both acute and fatal health problems, including strokes, premature aging, cancer, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
Since selenium is an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radical numbers and protects vital cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
In simpler words, it reduces oxidative stress by keeping free radical numbers in check. (1)
2. May Reduce Your Risk of Certain Cancers
According to this study, selenium can reduce your risk of certain cancers thanks to its following 3 attributes:
- It reduces oxidative stress and DNA damage
- It boosts your immunity
- It destroys cancer cells
Furthermore, a review of 69 studies including a total of 350,000 participants concludes that having high levels of selenium is directly linked to a lower risk of certain cancer types, including lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancer.
One important thing to note here is that this effect was associated with only selenium consumed through foods, not supplements.
With that being said, recent research suggests that taking selenium supplements regularly can help reduce side effects of radiation therapy.
For instance, this study shows that taking oral selenium supplements reduces radiation-induced diarrhea in women with uterine and cervical cancer.
3. May Protect Against Certain Heart Diseases
A selenium-rich diet may help improve your heart condition, as low levels of selenium are directly linked to certain types of heart diseases.
According to this analysis of 25 studies, a 50% increase in blood selenium levels was linked to a 24% reduction in the risk of heart disease.
Scientists believe that selenium lowers your risk of heart disease because it reduces certain inflammation markers — one of the number one factors of heart disease.
According to this analysis of 16 studies on a total of 433,000 heart disease patients, selenium supplements can reduce the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).
Health Issues Associated With Selenium Deficiency
Selenium deficiency can lead to several health problems, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- High oxidative stress
- Certain heart diseases
- Certain types of cancer
If you want to stay clear of these health issues, then add a selenium supplement to your diet.
Daily Recommended Intake
The daily recommended intake of selenium is:
- 55 micrograms for adults.
- 60 micrograms for pregnant women.
- 70 micrograms for lactating women.
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