What are the benefits of selenium for you and for your hair growth?

As written in a previous post, selenium is a mineral found naturally in the soil. But it also appears in certain foods and there are even small amounts in water. It is an important mineral for the human body as it helps immunity. It plays a roll in antioxidant activity that defends against free radical damage. But it will also help you maintain a healthy metabolism.According to some studies, selenium can also help you reduce the risk of cancer and thyroid diseases.

Simple – selenium is able to play such a protective role in the body because it increases antioxidant capabilities and the quality of blood flow. This increases the body’s resistance against stress and diseases.

Food that has a high amount of selenium include Brazil nuts, eggs, liver, tuna, cod, and sunflower seeds. Poultry and certain types of meat are a good source as well. However, whole foods are the best sources of the mineral, especially those who are not cooked on a very high heat.

The mineral has an ability to fight the aging process and help the immune system by reducing free radical damage. It also has a synergistic effect with other antioxidants like Vitamin E, enabling the body to fight oxidative stress. Selenium is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase, which is an important enzyme for processes that protect lipids in cell membranes. So explained in a much easier way: you need selenium to fight oxidative degradation of cells.

It also helps to maintain proper thyroid function, which benefits the immune system and fosters healthy hair growth. Research shows that there is a link between thyroid metabolism and selenium deficiency. The mineral acts like a catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland controls a lot of important everyday body functions. Having problems with it can result in some negative symptoms.

Which means that if you lack the mineral, it is a problem correlated with your thyroid and how it synthesizes hormones. Therefore you might consider taking supplements that include selenium to help support hair related issues caused by thyroid problems. The mineral acts as a protector of the thyroid and regulates the production of reactive oxygen within the gland, which means it is making sure the thyroid function is working properly to support hair health and growth.

Selenium-rich foods and supplements can also support blood flow which is beneficial for hair health. A healthy hair regime starts with good blood flow and maintained with the support of natural supplements.

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Photos: Mattza and Hatici Sosyal via Flickr.