How much Selenium do you need and what is it?

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 24 November 2022

Selenium benefits In spite of the fact that you have never heard of the nutrient “Selenium”, this astonishing nutrient is imperative to one’s health. A mineral found in the soil and naturally appears in water and in some foods which is an essential mineral, meaning it must be acquired through one’s diet. People may only need a small amount of selenium about an estimated average requirements per day is 38 μg for Male and 33 μg for Female adult this is according to the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes of DOST, but it plays a key role in vital processes in your body including your metabolism and thyroid function. Selenium has also attracted attention because of its powerful antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and keeping its numbers in check. As well as boost the immune system as this antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in the body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity. Not only that, but there are also other benefits that you can get from selenium that is backed by science. Here are the following:

May reduce your risk of certain cancers. It has been attributed to selenium’s ability to reduce DNA damage and oxidative stress, boost your immune system, and destroy cancer cells. It’s important to note that this effect was associated with selenium gained through foods, not supplements.
May protect against heart disease. A diet rich in selenium may help keep your heart healthy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in your body, as low selenium levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, it increased levels of glutathione peroxidase which is a powerful antioxidant.
Helps prevent mental decline. As it reduces oxidative stress and promote antioxidants that improve mental functions and memory loss.
Important for thyroid health. Thyroid tissue contains a higher amount of selenium. This powerful mineral helps protect the thyroid against oxidative damage and plays an essential role in the production of thyroid hormones.
May help reduce asthma symptoms. Due to selenium’s ability to reduce inflammation, this mineral may help reduce asthma-related symptoms as asthma has been associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

To achieve the daily amount requirements of selenium in your daily diet and to obtains its impressive benefits we need to consume foods high in selenium. The best dietary food sources of selenium are oysters, Brazil nuts, yellow fin tuna, eggs, sardines, sunflower seeds, chicken breast, shiitake mushrooms and other plant-based and grain-based foods wherein soil is high in selenium content.

Selenium is a powerful mineral that provide different health benefits for the proper functioning of the body. Adding more selenium rich foods to one’s diet is an excellent way to maintain good health. Yet not only selenium but all vitamins and minerals rich foods must be consumed to be able to achieve the overall health benefits of it.

DMO II Karla P .Calapardo, RND

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