Good news for anyone who would like to keep their heart in good health! New research implies that consuming foods that are full of a mineral called selenium may well reduce your chances of heart disease.
Heart disease is a significant health issue, but slight modifications to our diet can work wonders. This research contributes to the mounting proof that a well-balanced diet is key to maintaining our hearts healthy.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a necessary mineral, i.e., our bodies require it in order to function. It's a very potent antioxidant that serves to defend our cells from damage. It occurs naturally in food, and now it appears it may have an extra good effect on our hearts.
Although the details of this latest research are involved, the general message is a positive one. Researchers discovered an association between greater selenium levels within the body and reduced risk for heart disease. This implies that ensuring we receive sufficient selenium via diet may be a straightforward but beneficial method of maintaining cardiovascular well-being.
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Expert Advice: How to Add Selenium to Your Plate
We spoke to Dr. Shrey Kumar Srivastav, a Senior Consultant and General Physician at Sharda Hospital - Noida, to find out some practical tips on how to include more selenium in our daily diets.
"This research is interesting and points to the need for a balanced diet," says Dr. Srivastav. "Selenium can be found in many everyday foods, and it's not very hard to include them in your daily eating patterns."
Best Tips for Increasing Selenium Intake
Brazil Nuts: A Selenium Powerhouse: "A few Brazil nuts every day can really boost your selenium intake," Dr. Srivastav recommends. Watch out for portion sizes, as they are also rich in calories.
Seafood Sensations: "Fish such as tuna, sardines, and salmon are good sources of selenium," he notes. Try to have fish in your diet a couple of times a week.
Whole Grains are Your Friends: "Foods such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oats contain selenium along with other useful nutrients," Dr. Srivastav explains.
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Don't Forget the Meat and Poultry: "Chicken, turkey, and beef also offer selenium," he adds. Opt for leaner cuts when possible.
Seeds and Legumes: "Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and lentils are other plant-based options to consider," suggests Dr. Srivastav.
Eggs are a Good Choice: "Eggs are a versatile and relatively inexpensive source of selenium," he mentions.
Key Point: Although this research is promising, Dr. Srivastav stresses the need for a balanced diet in general. "Focusing on one nutrient alone is not the key. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, combined with regular exercise and not smoking, is still the foundation of heart health."
Bottomline
This study provides yet another strong reason to keep an eye on what we consume. By adding selenium-rich foods to our plates, we may be providing our hearts with additional protection. Be sure to consume a variety of foods to make sure you're getting all the nutrients your body requires. If you do have any concerns regarding your heart health or diet, always speak with your physician or registered dietitian for professional guidance.