Selenium is an important mineral that is required for the proper functioning of the body. The amount of selenium present in food depends on the amount of selenium present in the soil in which the food has been grown. There are certain factors that affect the levels of selenium in the soil. These are evaporation, pesticides, rains, and pH levels.
Selenium is considered a trace mineral that is essential for ensuring a healthy brain, reproductive system, and immune system. The intake of the right amount of selenium can help ensure the optimal function of the immune system. Selenium is also known to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers as well. Let us know more about some foods rich in selenium.
Foods rich in selenium
Here are some foods that pack in adequate amounts of selenium. However, we highly recommend consulting your doctor first before you make any changes to your diet.
- Cottage cheese: A cup of cottage cheese helps meet 30% of your daily requirement of selenium.
- Brown rice is also a great food which packs in selenium.
- Spinach is very rich in selenium and packs in a powerful punch when it comes to folic acid and vitamin C too.
- Milk and cereal are also great sources of selenium.
- Lentils pack in lots of selenium, fiber, and protein as well.
- Bananas have selenium as well. You can add bananas to your smoothies.
- Brazil nuts are rich in the mineral as well. However, you should not consume excessive amounts of Brazil nuts as it can lead to selenium toxicity.
- Sunflower seeds have lots of selenium and are a great food to include in your diet especially if you are a vegetarian.
- Cashews can also be relished to get some selenium in your diet.
- Eggs also pack in selenium and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
