Selenium is a crucial mineral for thyroid health as it plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormones and protecting the thyroid gland from oxidative damage. Here are 16 of the best foods that are high in selenium:
1. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of selenium, with just one nut providing over 100% of the daily recommended intake. Including Brazil nuts in your diet can help support optimal thyroid function. These nuts are not only delicious but also offer a significant amount of selenium, making them a great addition to your diet.
2. Fish
Fish such as tuna, sardines, and salmon are excellent sources of selenium. Consuming fish regularly can help maintain selenium levels in the body and promote thyroid health. Fish is not only a good source of protein but also provides important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, making it a well-rounded choice for overall health.
3. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are not only a tasty snack but also a good source of selenium. Adding sunflower seeds to your salads or smoothies can contribute to your selenium intake. These seeds are versatile and can be easily incorporated into various dishes to boost your selenium levels.
4. Eggs
Eggs contain selenium in the form of selenoproteins, important for thyroid hormone synthesis. Including eggs in your diet can provide the necessary selenium for thyroid function. Eggs are a versatile food that can be enjoyed in various ways, ensuring a delicious and selenium-rich addition to your meals.
5. Beef
Beef is a rich source of selenium and other essential nutrients like zinc and iron. Consuming lean beef in moderation can support overall thyroid health. Beef provides a significant amount of selenium along with key nutrients, making it a nutrient-dense choice to bolster your thyroid health.
6. Spinach
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that contains selenium and other antioxidants beneficial for thyroid function. Incorporating spinach into your meals can help boost selenium levels. Spinach is not only a good source of selenium but also offers a range of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for supporting thyroid health.
7. Brown Rice
Brown rice not only provides selenium but also fiber and other nutrients essential for thyroid health. Substituting white rice with brown rice can enhance your selenium intake. Brown rice is a whole grain that offers selenium as well as other important nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for maintaining thyroid function.
8. Oysters
Oysters are a nutrient-dense seafood that offers a good amount of selenium. Including oysters in your diet occasionally can help meet your selenium needs. Oysters are a delicious and sustainable seafood option that provides selenium along with other essential minerals, supporting both your palate and your thyroid health.
9. Chicken
Chicken is a lean source of selenium and protein that supports thyroid function. Opt for organic or free-range chicken for a higher selenium content. Chicken is a lean protein source that offers selenium, making it a versatile and healthy choice to incorporate into your diet for optimal thyroid support.
10. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a vegetarian source of selenium that can be added to various dishes. Consuming mushrooms regularly can contribute to maintaining optimal selenium levels. Mushrooms are a flavorful and versatile ingredient that not only adds selenium to your diet but also brings a unique umami taste to your meals, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value.
11. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a dairy product that contains selenium and is low in fat. Including cottage cheese in your diet can provide selenium without excessive calories. Cottage cheese is a light and nutritious option that offers selenium while being low in fat, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals for thyroid health.
12. Lentils
Lentils are a plant-based source of selenium and other nutrients like fiber and protein. Adding lentils to soups or salads can help increase your selenium intake. Lentils are a versatile legume that not only provides selenium but also offers a good amount of fiber and protein, making them a wholesome choice to support your thyroid health.
13. Turkey
Turkey is a lean meat that contains selenium and can be a healthy choice for supporting thyroid function. Including turkey in your diet can provide essential nutrients for overall health. Turkey is a lean poultry option that offers selenium along with key nutrients, making it a nutrient-dense choice to incorporate into your meals for optimal thyroid support.
14. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that includes selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Adding chia seeds to your smoothies or yogurt can boost your selenium intake. Chia seeds are a superfood that not only provides selenium but also offers omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making them a nutrient-packed addition to your diet to enhance your thyroid health.
15. Yogurt
Yogurt is a dairy product rich in selenium and probiotics beneficial for gut health. Choosing unsweetened yogurt can help support thyroid function with selenium. Yogurt is a creamy and nutritious option that provides selenium and gut-friendly probiotics, making it a wholesome choice for maintaining thyroid health while also supporting your digestive system.
16. Avocado
Avocado is a healthy fruit that contains selenium and monounsaturated fats. Including avocado in your diet can provide selenium alongside other essential nutrients for thyroid health. Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit that offers selenium and heart-healthy fats, making it a delicious and nourishing addition to your meals to support thyroid function and overall well-being.
