The Benefits of Selenium – Should You Take a Selenium Supplement?

Selenium is one of the many minerals critical to the human body's routine and healthy function. Selenium has gotten quite a bit of attention lately because recent studies have shown that individuals with Selenium Deficiency appear at greater risk of Covid-19 than the average person.

One area of China strongly associated with Selenium mining (the city of Enshi in Hubei Province) had one of the world's lowest diagnostic rates of Coronavirus infection.

Selenium has beneficial effects on the immune system and is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. While Selenium is necessary and valuable, overexposure to the mineral can lead to side effects.

In the case of Enshi, the incredibly high levels of Selenium lead citizens to experience symptoms such as hair loss. The importance of Selenium is well-documented, but it's essential not to take too much.

Along with its immune effects, Selenium is also essential to the proper function of the thyroid gland. Its influence on the thyroid also helps control weight. Concerning the immune system, Selenium is specifically crucial because it activates several types of protective cells, including NK (Natural Killer) Cells, killer T Cells, and helper T Cells, while also encouraging the formation of antibodies.

Selenium is vital as it protects against the proliferation of cancerous cells.

Where to Find Selenium?

Foods that contain Selenium are relatively abundant in the American diet. Lean red meat, chicken breast, eggs, liver, and seafood are excellent animal sources of Selenium.

Specific seafood high in Selenium include sardines, yellowfin tuna, halibut, and oysters. Many plants and mushrooms can have a lot of Selenium if raised in an environment containing the mineral.

Some great options are shiitake mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and Brazil nuts. Adults should seek at least 55 micrograms of Selenium each day. Adults should average no more than 400 micrograms of Selenium daily.

Selenium deficiency is notable for its effects on metabolism, immune health, and fertility. It weakens the immune system and contributes to cognitive issues, hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, and weakness. Luckily, North American soil tends to be rich in Selenium.

Selenium Research

If you're interested in losing weight, a modest Selenium supplement may help you lose weight more quickly. In a recent study, Selenium supplementation combined with dieting yielded better results than diet alone.

Many good Selenium Supplements provide around 240 micrograms of the mineral, allowing you to still obtain some Selenium from your diet without significant risk of excessive intake.

Some animal research suggests that Selenium Supplementation may mitigate IGF-1 activity, which has the advantage of extending lifespan in lab mice. There is also strong evidence that supplemental Selenium may help control metabolism to reduce the risk of obesity.

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