Have you ever heard of selenium? Do you know what it’s for? Here we will tell you everything you need to know about this mineral.
Selenium is an essential element in the human body. It helps regulate the immune system and start defense processes to keep you healthy.
Low levels of this element can be related to serious diseases and infectious conditions.
They can be found naturally shaped in various foods and in water.
Selenium and the doses indicated for each age
Given the role that selenium plays in our body, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient supply of this mineral. If you take in less selenium than you need, your body could be exposed to various diseases.
Depending on how old you are, you will need more or less quantities. The dose indicated for each age is:
- Infants under 6 months: 15 mcg.
- You drink from 7 months to 3 years: 20 mcg.
- Children 4 to 8 years: 30 mcg.
- Children 9 to 13 years: 40 mcg.
- Teenagers: 55 mcg.
- Adults: 55mcg.
- Pregnant women: 60 mcg.
- Breastfeeding women: 70 mcg.
benefits of selenium
1. Acts as an antioxidant
This element helps protect cells by neutralizing free radicals and against the effects of oxidative stress.. It is recommended to combine it with proteins to create selenoprotein that improve your health.
2. Provide benefits to your thyroid
the gland thyroid It is responsible for the production of hormones. For this directly affects the metabolic processes of all organs. If you’re having trouble keeping your hormones at optimal levels, check your selenium intake.. Sufficient consumption of this element can be related to the proper functioning of the thyroid.
Your doctor can guide you through a blood test.
3. Helps in the control of degenerative diseases
Since this element helps activate immune function, your body may be better prepared to deal with degenerative diseases.
In case you already live with some type of condition that causes general damage to the body, such as diabetes, selenium will help you avoid complications.
4. Helps improve the functionality of your reproductive system
Selenium deficiency can cause infertility in men. This element is vital for the production of healthy sperms. In case you are looking to stay pregnant and don’t make it, include more foods with selenium in the family’s diet.
This way, both you and your partner may have a better chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
5. Helps fight infection
First of all, this mineral can be an ally against viral diseases such as the flu or a product of bacteria. Provides health benefits to patients with HIV and influenza A virus infections.
Furthermore, selenium also contributes to the treatment of infectious frameworks through selenoproteins. It also helps regulate inflammation and immune processes.
6. Has anti-aging properties
Free radicals cause cellular damage which results in the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and damaged skin. In addition to using elements that moisturize the skin, can you help her with me?minerals such as selenium.
7. Detox your body
Metals are present in a large number of toxic and polluting elements.
Here because, every week you should do a detox routine that helps you eliminate metals like mercury. Precisely selenium favors this process and helps you strengthen your body.
8. Improve your cardiovascular health
Balanced consumption of selenium helps improve cardiovascular health. In fact, patients who have or have had a heart attack often have low selenium levels.
It’s important to combine selenium with beta-carotene and vitamin E to maintain optimal cholesterol levels.
Foods rich in selenium
Now that you know the importance of including selenium in your diet, it’s time to learn about the foods that contain it. you will notice They are very common foods, so you won’t have any problems if you follow a healthy diet. Include in your diet:
- Brazil nuts.
- Sardines.
- Chicken and egg.
- Veal liver.
- Chia seeds.
- Tuna.
- Red meats.
- Wheat germ.
- Onion.
- Garlic.
- Freshwater fish.
Who should increase their selenium intake?
Some people need to pay special attention to the amount of selenium they consume. Even if their diet is healthy, they may have a deficiency caused by bad habits or medical problems. If you have any of the following conditions, you are in this group:
- You smoke.
- You drink alcohol.
- You have Crohn’s disease.
- You have colitis.
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