Selenium plays an essential role in several different health functions including cognitive health and reproductive health. In our guide, we’ll explore the health benefits of Selenium and how to ensure you’re getting the right amount of Selenium in your diet.
Health benefits of Selenium
Selenium supports several functions in the body as an antioxidant, positively impacting the endocrine and immune systems. Benefits of selenium include;
Boosting the Immune System
Selenium can help stimulate the immune system due to its antioxidant properties. It influences the activity of white blood cells, which play an important role in fighting infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to regulate the body's inflammatory response.
Supporting Thyroid Health
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that regulates bodily functions including metabolisation, growth and blood pressure. Selenium is an essential mineral for boosting thyroid health as it helps to convert inactive thyroid hormones into active ones. Selenium’s anti-inflammatory properties can help with autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s disease by reducing thyroid inflammation.
Improving Male Reproductive Health
Selenium plays a crucial role in the production of sperm and has other added benefits including enhanced sperm mobility as well as sperm condition and function. It can also help to support the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone.
Improving Female Reproductive Health
Ovulation, fertility and hormonal balance can be boosted by Selenium. Adequate levels of Selenium can help to improve the health and quality of your eggs and can ensure healthy ovulation. It can also reduce the symptoms of certain reproductive disorders like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Boosting Cognitive Function
Your brain’s function can be negatively impacted by oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance of free radicals. Selenium plays an important role in neutralising free radicals, which helps to protect your brain cells from damage and inflammation. Prolonged exposure to oxidative stress can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Selenium is found in which foods?
Selenium is a mineral that can be found in foods such as oysters, meat, eggs, brazil nuts, and certain fish, like halibut and sardines. The ideal daily intake of selenium is 75μg for men between 19-64 years and 60μg for women between 19-64 years.
What are the signs of selenium deficiency?
If you’re not getting enough selenium in your diet, you could develop a selenium deficiency, some of the main signs of a selenium deficiency include;
- Weakened immune system
- Mental fog
- Fatigue
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Brittle or discoloured nails
- Reproductive issues
- Dry skin
How can Royal Oak Health help?
Here at Royal Oak Health, our organic selenium capsules are free from unnatural fillers and binders and made from the highest quality ingredients to help support a healthy lifestyle.
