One of the many minerals you need to maintain health is selenium, but they might need to know why or what to eat. Here is a look at why you need selenium in your diet, what happens if you don’t get enough, and the best foods to eat to increase your selenium intake.
What Is Selenium?
Selenium is a mineral essential for health. It is a trace element needed for various bodily functions, including reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, and protection from oxidative damage and infection. Selenium is also important for the immune system, as it can help reduce bodily inflammation. It is found in certain foods and can also be taken as a dietary supplement.
Why Do You Need Selenium in Your Diet?
Selenium is not just a mineral; it’s a powerful ally of your body. It acts as an antioxidant, shielding your body from oxidative stress and combating harmful particles known as free radicals. Selenium also plays a pivotal role in thyroid function and immune system regulation. Moreover, it’s involved in reproduction and DNA production. In essence, selenium is a key player in maintaining good health and bolstering your body’s natural defences.
What Happens If You Do Not Have Enough Selenium in Your Diet?
If you don’t get enough selenium in your diet, it can lead to various health issues. Selenium deficiency may cause immune system weakness, increasing the risk of infections and illness. It can also impact thyroid function, potentially leading to thyroid disorders. In severe cases, selenium deficiency can cause Keshan disease, a condition affecting the heart, and Kashin-Beck disease, which affects the joints and bones. Therefore, adequate selenium intake is vital for overall health and well-being.
What Are the Best Foods to Eat for Selenium?
Foods rich in selenium include fish (such as tuna, halibut, and sardines), shellfish, Brazil nuts, beef, turkey, chicken, eggs, and sunflower seeds. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help ensure that you are getting an adequate amount of selenium. Keep in mind that the selenium content in plant-based foods can vary depending on the soil’s selenium content in the ground where they were grown.
Our Recipe Recommendations
- Swordfish tostadas with salsa and guacamole
- Tuna fishcakes
- Chicken, chorizo, and tomato pasta bake
- Spanish eggs
- Beef and cashews with spicy noodles
Do you know any delicious recipes to ensure you get enough selenium in your diet? Let us know in the comments section below.
[…] Selenium is an essential mineral we need for multiple bodily functions, including thyroid function, immune system function, and DNA synthesis. It is also an antioxidant, which helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Selenium deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems, including thyroid dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, and an increased risk of some types of cancer. […]