Selenium: functions, benefits and foods in which it is found

Estimated read time: 3,9 minutes.

Vitamin C , magnesium or vitamin B12 are some of the elements that have to be present in our body for it to function properly. And not only them, because, among many others, selenium is also essential. Keep reading and you will know everything about this mineral that plays a very important role in our health.

What functions does selenium perform?

Selenium is a nutrient that is essential for us to be healthy and we can establish that it plays a key role in the production of thyroid hormones, in the proper functioning of the nervous system and even in sperm production. Precisely for this reason it is established that it is essential that an adult needs around 55 micrograms of selenium daily.

What are the benefits of selenium for the body?

If it is important to know what functions it performs, it is no less important to know what other benefits or advantages selenium brings to our body. Specifically, among the most relevant we can highlight the following:

• It is considered to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• It also strengthens what is the immune system.
• It helps, in the same way, to reduce the chances of suffering from Alzheimer's.
• It is also considered to be a good ally for those who want to lose a few extra kilos. This is so because it speeds up metabolism and manages to significantly improve digestion.
• In addition, it should be noted that it is antioxidant.
• Of course, it is necessary to know that selenium is considered to help prevent hair loss.

This without forgetting that exhaustive scientific studies are being carried out to see if the nutrient in question becomes an element that serves to reduce the risks of suffering from cancer.

Foods rich in selenium

For all the reasons explained in the previous sections, it is clear that selenium must be ingested. However, there are people who do not do it or who at a given moment discover that they have a deficiency of it and this is something that must be remedied for the sake of health. They discover it when they have symptoms such as hair loss , thyroid disorder, joint pain, a feeling of stiffness... The moment a doctor discovers that his patient has low selenium it is imperative that he take action. And one of the most effective is to include in the diet foods that are rich in said nutrient. Specifically, we have to establish that the ones that contribute the most selenium to the body are the following:

1.The onion

Without a doubt, this vegetable or plant, whatever we want to call it, is one of the products that is most interesting to consume when you have a low selenium problem. For this reason, it is recommended to take it daily as an essential element of a stir-fry or the base of any dish.

2.The cod

There are several fish that are also rich in the nutrient in question, but this is one of the most interesting to consume for this reason. And along with it you also have to periodically eat tuna.

3.Veal

There are several types of meat that have been established as being able to make a good contribution of selenium to the body. However, beef is the one that does it the most, so it must be another food to include in the diet.

4. Nuts

Likewise, it should not be overlooked that these are other essential foods in the diet of those who have a deficit of the aforementioned nutrient. Of course, the richest in it are those known as Brazil nuts.

5.Eggs

In this list we could not fail to include this product that, in addition to many other things, is rich in selenium. Specifically, it provides 20 micrograms per 100 grams. Likewise, it must be taken into account that wheat bran, white beans, Brussels sprouts, sunflower seeds, asparagus, shellfish and whole grains also make a good contribution of selenium to the body. All of them are great allies when it comes to solving a problem with the nutrient that is the protagonist of this article. However, it is also important to know that the problem can be addressed in the same way by taking supplements. This would be the case, for example, of Selenium , which we have for sale at Be Levels . It comes in capsule format, it is suitable for vegans, it does not contain gluten or allergens and, in addition to making the necessary daily intake of it, it brings with it more benefits. Exactly, it contributes to boosting fertility, allows the proper functioning of the thyroid, strengthens hair and nails, and protects cells from so-called oxidative damage.