Selenium
Selenium is one the trace elements that we need for good health.
Selenium is one of the trace elements that we need for good health. Selenium has a number of roles in our bodies – it helps to support our immune system, keeps hair and nails healthy and helps to keep our thyroid gland working properly. Selenium is also very important for fertility, especially for men.
Where can I find Selenium?
Fish is one of the best places to get selenium with mussels and lemon sole two really good sources. Selenium is also found in nuts and seeds and in poultry.
Did you know?
The soil in Europe is naturally quite low in selenium compared to the soil in the US and other parts of the world. This means that in the US, dairy and vegetables are good sources of selenium. This is not the case in Europe and it is one of the reasons that eating foods like fish and nuts are so important to help us get enough selenium.
Selenium – Benefits at a glance:
- Helps keep hair healthy
- Needed for healthy skin
- Essential for fertility, especially for men
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Helps to keep the thyroid working normally
- Works as an antioxidant to protect the body from oxidative stress
How much Selenium do I need everyday?
The RDA or Recommended Daily Amount for Selenium is 55mcg (micrograms) per day.
| Selenium in food | Need 55mcg per day |
| Brazil Nuts | 254mcg |
| Cashew Nuts | 34mcg |
| Sunflower Seeds | 49mcg |
| Chicken | 13mcg |
| Turkey | 13mcg |
| Pork | 18mcg |
| Lemon Sole | 73mcg |
| Haddock | 28mcg |
| Mackerel | 36mcg |
| Mussels | 43mcg |
| Crab | 84mcg |
| Green & Brown Lentils | 40mcg |
| Mushrooms | 9mcg |
What if I have too little Selenium?
Too little selenium causes Keshan Disease. This is extremely rare and caused by eating a diet that is extremely low in selenium. It is mainly seen in a particular region of China and is caused by having very, very low levels of selenium in soil. Keshan disease causes a type of cardiomyopathy, which is a weakness of muscle in the heart. Keshan disease is not seen in Ireland as we have enough selenium in soil to avoid being so very low in selenium.
SuperValu Hazelnuts
SuperValu Hazelnuts 150g
SuperValu Brazil Nuts
SuperValu Brazil Nuts 150g
Blue Diamond Almonds Oven Roasted Almonds with Sea Salt
Blue Diamond Almonds Oven Roasted Almonds with Sea Salt
Blue Diamond Almonds Wasabi Soy Sauce Flavour
Blue Diamond Almonds Wasabi Soy Sauce Flavour
SuperValu Cashew Nuts
SuperValu Cashew Nuts 150g
