Selenium: The Tiny Mineral with Mighty Health Benefits
Apr 16, 2025•11 min
Episode description
Story at-a-glance
- Selenium is a trace mineral essential for health, supporting immune function, hormone regulation, and fighting oxidative stress
- Incorporated into 25 selenoproteins, selenium is crucial for antioxidant production, particularly glutathione peroxidase, which neutralizes harmful free radicals and prevents cellular damage
- Research shows selenium benefits cardiovascular health, with supplementation reducing rates of Keshan disease in deficient regions and supporting overall heart function
- This mineral plays a vital role in thyroid function by helping convert inactive T4 hormone to active T3, with supplementation improving hormone conversion in those with thyroid disorders
- Research indicates selenium has anticancer properties, helping normalize tumor vasculature, enhancing cancer treatments, and targeting proteins involved in tumor growth and drug resistance