Selenium is very important essential trace mineral for our bodies. Its found in the soil and in certain foods, small amounts are even found in the water we drink. Because it’s essential - we need to make sure that we are getting it through our diet. Luckily for us - one Brazil nut provides over 100% of your daily allowance! If you are like me and not a fan of the taste of brazil nuts, try adding one to your smoothie. You will get all the benefits without the taste.

Selenium is important for proper functioning of our thyroid gland. It protects the thyroid gland from oxidative damage and plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. If our thyroid gland isn't functioning correctly it can lead to a whole array of issues such as weight gain or loss, low energy levels, trouble sleeping to name a few.

Selenium is also an excellent antioxidant. If you have read my blog on free radicals you will know why its’s important to eat foods with antioxidant properties! In a nut shell….antioxidants have the ability to reduce free radical damage, reduce inflammation and slow down the ageing process. Selenium may also help protect against certain types of cancer, this is due to it’s ability to reduce oxidative stress, reduce DNA damage, boost your immune system and destroy cancer cells.

Because Selenium is a trace mineral, we only require small amounts of it, and this can be obtained from our diets. It’s important to eat food containing selenium regularly. Speak to your doctor if you are considering taking a selenium supplement as high levels of selenium can have negative effect on your over all health. Getting a small amount each day from food is more than enough, and as I mentioned at the top of this post - one brazil nut a day is all you need to reach your daily requirement.

Top Selenium containing foods…

  • Brazil nuts 
  • Salmon 
  • Tuna 
  • Cottage cheese 
  • Turkey 
  • Chicken 
  • Mushrooms 
  • Halibut 
  • Eggs 
  • Sardines 
  • Sunflower seeds 
  • Grass fed beef 
  • Oats 
  • Beef liver 
  • Oysters 

*Always speak to your Doctor if you are considering taking a new supplement. As mentioned above, unless recommended by a Doctor, you will most likely already be getting enough selenium in your diet through the food that you eat. High levels of selenium can be toxic to our bodies, so only take if it has been advised by a medical professional.