Selenium, although present in microscopic amounts in nature, is a very important element that ensures the proper functioning of the human body. The dietary selenium intake varies geographically as soil in some parts of the world isdeficient in selenium. For example, selenium deficiency is rare in the United States wheresoils are rich in selenium, but is more common in China where soils are selenium deficient.Among other things, it affects the functioning of the thyroid gland and the immune system. Interestingly, it can also lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer. 

What is selenium found in and when are its deficiencies? 

Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that helps to relieve inflammation.Selenium is a mineral with a number of vitally important functions in your body. It is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, therefore is required for a healthy metabolism. Selenium is also required for the production of your body’s own powerful antioxidant called glutathione peroxidase. This is used by your liver to detoxify your body.

Antioxidants are compounds that prevent damage to our body's cells. These damages are caused by the action of free radicals, which are natural by-products of processes in the human body, including metabolism. Free radicals are essential to our health, but certain factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, stress) can cause an excess of them in the body, which in turn causes oxidative stress that destroys healthy cells. Oxidative stress is closely related to the emergence of diseases such as: heart diseases, Alzheimer's disease, tumors, stroke. It also shows a strong relationship with premature ageing of the body.

A selenium-rich diet can help maintain adequate heart health. Due to the fact that it reduces inflammation in the body and oxidative stress, it protects our heart against the development of dangerous diseases, including, for example, atherosclerosis. As a consequence, a stroke or myocardial infarction may occur. Including selenium-rich foods in your diet is a great way to minimize oxidative stress and inflammation.

Selenium is a very important element that ensures the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. In fact, thyroid tissue contains more selenium than any other organ in the human body. Selenium helps protect the thyroid from oxidative damage and plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormones.- Selenium deficiency is linked to diseases of the thyroid gland, such as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis - Hashimoto's, a type of hypothyroidism in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The conducted research on the influence of selenium on the functioning of the thyroid gland shows that low levels of selenium in the blood serum were associated with an increased risk of autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Additionally, some studies have found that selenium supplements may have health benefits for people with Hashimoto's disease.