Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a significant role in health. A balanced plant-based diet should provide enough selenium to keep you well. However, some circumstances deplete the body's selenium levels, including smoking, drinking alcohol, taking oral contraceptives, and having certain health conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Find out the incredible health and wellness benefits of selenium below. Then, reap the benefits by eating more selenium-rich foods.
Benefits of Selenium
Fights Infection
The body seems to require selenium for healthy immune functioning. Selenium promotes the growth of white blood cells that protect the body from foreign invaders, like illness …show more content…
This decline may happen because selenium’s antioxidant activity is no longer as strong. Supplementing with selenium may reduce cognitive decline that occurs with age.
Detoxifies the Body
Mercury can be poisonous to the central and peripheral nervous systems. Selenium naturally binds with mercury in the body, preventing the toxic metal from damaging healthy body tissues like the brain. This binding process is significant for the chelating or detoxifying of mercury from the body.
Prevents Cancer
Too little selenium in the body is associated with a higher likelihood of dying from cancer. Researchers have examined selenium's impact on a number of cancers and found positive effects, particularly with colorectal and prostate cancers.
Treats Hair Loss
Individuals with dry scalp and dandruff may benefit from eating selenium-rich foods or supplementing with selenium. Since selenium develops into selenoproteins that are essential to a variety of functions, increasing intake of this mineral can promote healthy hair growth and even prevent hair loss. However, taking too much selenium can have the inverse effect, so be sure to only take the recommended