15 Amazing Health Benefits of Selenium
Selenium is found in soil and plants, and also present in small amounts in water. We need it for good health, but only a very small amount. It has several roles in the body, including protecting cells from damage, helping to produce certain hormones, improving thyroid function, and boosting immunity. (1)
15 Selenium-Rich Foods For Every Diet
As an essential trace element, selenium is found in soil and water, and subsequently in the plants and animals that consume them. The concentration of this mineral in the environment depends on the local geology. For example, areas with high concentrations of selenium-rich minerals tend to have higher levels of the element in their soils and waters.
Most people get enough selenium from their diet. There are several food sources of selenium, including meats, poultry, fish, grains, eggs and dairy products. Brazil nuts are especially rich in selenium, with a single nut providing more than 100% of the Daily Value (DV). However, the amount of selenium in plant-based foods can vary depending on the level of selenium in the soil where they were grown. Foods that contain it in high concentration include
- Brazil nuts
- Tuna
- Sunflower seeds
- Shrimp
- Chicken
- Lentils
- Oyster
- Turkey
- Beef
- Whole wheat breads
- Sardine
- Eggs
- Brown rice
- Spinach
- Yogurts