Written by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD on August 20, 2019

Though you may have never heard of selenium, this amazing nutrient is vital to your health.

Selenium is an essential mineral, meaning it must be obtained through your diet.

It’s only needed in small amounts but plays a major role in important processes in your body, including your metabolism and thyroid function. This article outlines 7 health benefits of selenium, all backed by science.

1.Acts as a powerful antioxidant

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps defend your body from chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.

2.May reduce your risk of certain cancers

Higher blood levels of selenium may protect against certain cancers, while supplementing with selenium may help improve quality of life in people undergoing radiation therapy.

3.May protect against heart disease

Selenium may help keep your heart healthy by keeping oxidative stress in check and reducing your risk of heart disease.

4.Helps prevent mental decline

A diet rich in selenium may help prevent mental decline and improve memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Is important for thyroid health

Selenium protects the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and is necessary for thyroid hormone production. Selenium may help people with Hashimoto’s disease and other types of thyroid disease, but more research is needed.

6.Boosts your immune system

Selenium is crucial for the health and proper functioning of your immune system. Higher levels of selenium may help boost the immune systems of people with HIV, influenza, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C.

7.May help reduce asthma symptoms

Selenium may benefit people with asthma due to its ability to lower inflammation in the body. However, more research is needed.