Thyroid problems have become an increasingly common problem among Americans. There are approximately 27 million people diagnosed with the disorder! Studies have shown that selenium plays a role in thyroid health and deficiency in the nutrient can lead to illness.

Here are some of the health benefits of selenium:

1. Antioxidant function - helps in the creation and production of glutathione which is your body’s natural antioxidant defense against free radicals
2. Aids in the regulation of the thyroid hormones by acting as a mediator between the thyroid hormones
3. Creates selenoprotein P which help protect the body’s cells that form the blood vessels, heart and circulatory system 
4. Disease prevention - selenium plays a huge role in the immune system function and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer and HIV. Selenium supplementation has been found to decrease the risk for prostate cancer!

Supplementation is not typically necessary, as selenium is found in many foods such as brazil nuts, crimini and shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, halibut, salmon, scallops, chicken, lamb, turkey and eggs. Just one or two brazil nuts a day improve your selenium levels and boost immune function!

Sources:

Chris Kesser 

Antioxidant’s Detective