There have been some reports over the years regarding the positive effects of selenium when it comes to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Selenium however has many benefits when it comes to our health and wellbeing.

Selenium is known to be extremely beneficial for our health because of its ability to activate the antioxidant enzyme known as glutathione peroxidase, which is present in the cells of our body.  This enzyme has been found to prevent the generation of free radicals, which cause the destruction of cell membranes and sometimes cause cancer growth.

Low levels of selenium may be linked to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.  This is whywe will often see selenium included in prostate herbal formulas. As well, it is believed selenium may reduce the risk of breast, colon, gastric and lung cancer.  One would think this in itself would be a good reason to supplement with selenium!

Another concern is the believed link between low selenium levels and Alzheimer’s disease. It seems selenium is important for safeguarding brain health and supporting cognitive function. Many believe Alzheimer’s disease is associated with progressive oxidative damage to nerve cells by free radicals.  When our brain cells are injured by oxidation, the nerve cells that act like wires in our brain also become damaged by oxidation and this in  time can lead to memory loss and cognitive deterioration.

It appears selenium may also lessen our risk of heart disease by shielding against oxidative damage to blood cholesterol.  Supplementing with selenium may increase the good cholesterol (HDL levels) and decrease the bad cholesterol (LDL levels). It’s thought selenium may also inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries.

Selenium is also involved in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones.  Our thyroid gland contains a high concentration of selenium, and a deficiency of selenium can exacerbate iodine-deficient hypothyroidism.

Plants will normally take up selenium from the soil. It has been found, however, that depending on where the plants are grown, selenium content can be low in some soils. This obviously then leads to a low dietary intake of selenium in humans.

There are also some other factors that increase the need for selenium such as pollution, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, ageing and immune deficiency.

Selenium is available in tablet form and there are some foods that may be helpful in increasing selenium levels in our diet.  Brazil nuts are often hailed as the ‘go-to’ when it comes to foods containing selenium.

Brazil nuts are great as a snack, or you may want to incorporate Brazil nuts into your cooking.