The 7 Best Vegetarian Foods for Selenium
Selenium is a powerful trace mineral that everyone requires for good health. Along with iodine, selenium is great for the thyroid. It supports the immune system and it's a powerful antioxidant.[1, 2] Adults require at least 55 micrograms a day and some people consume more (it's best to stay under 400mcg/day).[3]
Although fish and meat are sources of selenium, you can get it from several plant sources, which provide a healthier nutritional plan. In fact, many natural foods provide great sources of selenium, including nuts, seeds, and green vegetables.
What Are The Best Sources of Selenium?
At a glance, let's take a look at the seven best vegetarian sources of selenium.
1. Brazil Nuts
Without a doubt, Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium! Tasty, delicious, and loaded; one study showed that just two brazil nuts per day for 12 weeks raised selenium levels to a normal range.[4]
- 1/2 oz. contains a whopping 268 mcg, 479% of daily requirement and 95 calories.
- Just one Brazil nut per day can provide 75 mcg of selenium.
2. Shiitake/White Button Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms taste great and, in addition to providing selenium, they're an excellent source of Vitamin D, antioxidants, and other essential trace minerals. But white button mushrooms provide selenium, too.
- 1/2 cup of shiitake mushrooms contains 18 mcg of selenium and provides 33% of your daily requirement.
- 1 cup of white button mushrooms contains 8.8 mcg of selenium (they are also one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D!).
3. Lima & Pinto Beans
Poll any group of third graders for their favorite foods and it's unlikely that lima or pinto beans will be on the list. But, there's no denying their nutritional potency. In addition to selenium, lima and pinto beans provide a great source of protein and fiber.
- 1 cup cooked contains 10 mcg of selenium, about 17% of your daily requirement.
- Only 205 calories per cup.
4. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are one of my favorite superfoods. One of their interesting traits is that, when exposed to water, they expand and take on a gel-like consistency. Chia pudding is a popular treat! It takes on any flavor and prompts a feeling of being full much more quickly than other foods. They're a great source of fiber and amino acids, and have a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.[5]
- 1 oz. contains 15 mcg and provides 28% of your daily requirement.
- Only 138 calories per ounce.
5. Brown Rice
If you're looking for a gluten-free grain, you have a few choices. Millet and quinoa are emerging in popularity, and brown rice is another great option. It's an excellent, all-around source of essential nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, and soluble fiber.
- 1 cup contains 19 mcg, about 35% of your daily requirement.
- Just 216 calories per cup.
6. Seeds (Sunflower, Sesame, and Flax)
When it comes to nutritional potency, it's hard to beat a handful of seeds! They're rich in essential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. They're also little selenium power-ups. Take your pick of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or flaxseed.
- 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds contains 19mcg, 34% of daily requirement and 204 calories.
- 1/4 cup of sesame seeds contains 12mcg, 23% of daily requirement and 206 calories.
- 2 tsp. of flaxseed contains 4mcg, 7% daily requirement and 75 calories.
7. Broccoli, Cabbage, Spinach
Selenium is just one of many nutrients you'll find in many green vegetables. In fact, greens are generally one of the best nutritional smorgasbords of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, protein, calcium, magnesium, and chlorophyll available. If these aren't the cornerstone of your diet, they should be!
- 1 cup cabbage contains 3.5 mcg, 6% of daily requirement and 44 calories.
- 1 cup spinach contains 3 mcg, 5% of daily requirement and 41 calories.
- 1 cup broccoli contains 2.5 mcg, 4% of daily requirement and 55 calories.
These are just a few vegetarian-friendly sources of selenium that you can add to your diet to boost its nutritional value. You can also opt for supplementation. If that’s the case, always choose a high-quality supplement like Global Healing's vegan-friendly selenium supplement. It is a highly bioavailable supplement extracted from certified-organic mustard seeds.
References (5)
- Arthur JR, et al. Selenium in the Immune System J Nutr. 2003;133(5):1457S-1459S.
- Institute of Medicine/IOM Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids The Institute of Medicine Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds. Washington DC:National Academies Press. 2000.
- National Institute of Health Selenium: Fact Sheet for Consumers. Updated 11 Jul 2019. Accessed 9 Aug 2019.
- Thomson CD, et al. Brazil nuts: an effective way to improve selenium status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;87(2):379-384.
- Mohd Ali N, et al. The promising future chia, Salvia hispanica L. J Biomed Biotec. 2012;2012:171956.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
