August 2019
Jillian Kubala
Though you may have never heard of selenium, this amazing nutrient is vital to your health.
Selenium is an essential mineral, meaning it must be obtained through your diet.
It’s only needed in small amounts but plays a major role in important processes in your body, including your metabolism and thyroid function.
This article outlines 7 health benefits of selenium, all backed by science.
1. Acts as a powerful antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds in foods that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are normal byproducts of processes like metabolism that are formed in your body daily.
They often get a bad rap, but free radicals are essential for your health. They perform important functions, including protecting your body from disease.
However, things like smoking, alcohol use, and stress can cause an excess of free radicals. This leads to oxidative stress, which damages healthy cells.
Oxidative stress has been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, as well as premature aging and the risk of stroke.
Antioxidants like selenium help reduce oxidative stress by keeping free radical numbers in check.
They work by neutralizing excess free radicals and protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
