Selenium is able to play such a protective role in the body because it increases antioxidant capabilities and the quality of blood flow, therefore enhancing the body’s resistance against diseases and stress. Selenium is often praised for its role in antioxidant activity which lowers free radical damage and inflammation.
This means that selenium benefits your body by helping to prevent common forms of cancer, to fight off viruses, defend against heart disease, and to slow down symptoms correlated with other serious conditions like asthma.
Natural food sources that are high in selenium include Brazil nuts, eggs, liver, tuna, cod, and sunflower seeds, in addition to poultry and certain types of meat.
Whole foods are the best sources of selenium, especially when these foods are handled and prepared in a delicate way, since selenium may be destroyed during processing and very high heat cooking methods.
Among healthy people in the U.S., a selenium deficiency is believed to be uncommon. However people with certain health conditions such as HIV, Crohn’s disease, and other disorders that impair nutrient absorption are associated with having low selenium levels that can lead to a selenium deficiency.