Now Listen to Maeve!

Selenium is good for a bird. Also you.

7 Science-Based Health Benefits of Selenium

1. It 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 (1Trusted Source).

2. May reduce your risk of certain cancers.

In addition to decreasing oxidative stress, selenium may help lower the risk of certain cancers.

This has been attributed to selenium’s ability to reduce DNA damage and oxidative stress, boost your immune system, and destroy cancer cells (8Trusted Source).

A review of 69 studies that included over 350,000 people found that having a high blood level of selenium was associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers (9Trusted Source).

It’s important to note that this effect was only associated with selenium obtained through foods, not supplements.

However, some research suggests that supplementing with selenium may reduce side effects in people undergoing radiation therapy.

3. May protect against heart disease.

A diet rich in selenium may help keep your heart healthy, as low selenium levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

In an analysis of 25 observational studies, a 50% increase in blood selenium levels was associated with a 24% reduction in the risk of heart disease (11Trusted Source).

Selenium may also lower markers of inflammation in your body⁠ — one of the main risk factors for heart disease.

For example, a review of 16 controlled studies including over 433,000 people with heart disease showed that taking selenium supplements decreased levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).

4. Helps prevent mental decline. Oy!!

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that causes memory loss and negatively affects thinking and behavior. It’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is growing. Thus, finding ways to prevent this degenerative disease is imperative.

Oxidative stress is believed to be involved in both the onset and progression of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s (14Trusted Source)

5. Is important for thyroid health.

Selenium is important for the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. In fact, thyroid tissue contains a higher amount of selenium than any other organ in the human body (21Trusted Source).

This powerful mineral helps protect the thyroid against oxidative damage and plays an essential role in the production of thyroid hormones.

A healthy thyroid gland is important, as it regulates your metabolism and controls growth and development (22Trusted Source).

6. Boosts your immune system.

Your immune system keeps your body healthy by identifying and fighting off potential threats. These include bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Selenium plays an important role in the health of your immune system. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and enhances immunity.

Studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with enhanced immune response.

On the other hand, deficiency has been shown to harm immune cell function and may lead to a slower immune response (25Trusted Source)

7. Might help reduce asthma symptoms.