Iodine: An Essential Mineral For The Organism
Iodine is essential for our body. According to many studies, however, it is the mineral that is lacking most in the world population since our body does not synthesize it and we must receive it directly from our diet. .
The problem also consists in the fact that iodine is not very present in food, except when it is added by the food industries (such as iodized salt). Generally a large part of this component is found in the ocean, especially in marine algae.
This essential mineral for the human body is absorbed in the intestinal tract and travels through the bloodstream to the thyroid gland where it is stored to secrete hormones. A good level of iodine helps us burn fat and prevent, for example, goiter and thyroid problems. Let’s see it in more detail.
Iodine and its benefits
- It is essential to have a good level of iodine to keep the thyroid hormone or thyroxine balanced ; this prevents us from suffering, for example, from goiter and hypothyroidism.
- It allows the correct functioning of our metabolism, as well as the growth in children and the correct functioning of our nervous system.
- It is essential for synthesizing carbon hydrates and cholesterol.
- It provides us with energy and is essential for the health of our cells.
- Burn excess fat.
- Thanks to iodine, nails, hair and teeth remain strong and healthy.
- It can be used externally to disinfect wounds, as well as being able to use it in the form of tablets to purify water.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency
In case of a deficiency of this mineral, our body can react with the following symptoms:
- The goiter.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Tendency to feel cold.
- Tiredness, pain in the joints.
- Insomnia.
- Dry skin and hair.
- Constipation.
- Cretinism: childhood disease that presents physical and mental retardation.
Where can it be found?
Fish and seafood
The sea is a natural treasure of iodine, so it is recommended to eat fish or seafood at least three times a week. They have important B vitamins, vitamins A, D, E as well as fatty acids, such as Omega 3, which are necessary for our health.
It would therefore be perfect to eat salmon, herring, prawns, prawns, cod, mussels or sole often .
Vegetables
You may not be used to seeing Kelp as a vegetable, but it is an incredible source of iodine, which should definitely be included in our diet from time to time.
In addition to algae, other sources of iodine are onion, beetroot, chard, spinach, cucumber, green bean, watercress and garlic, which, in addition to being rich in this mineral, has important antibacterial properties.
Cheeses
Some types of cheese are also particularly rich in this mineral. For example, Cheddar cheese (100 grams contain 39 mg of iodine), Manchego cheese in oil (100 grams contain 34 mg of iodine), semi-cured and fresh Manchego cheese (always 34 mg in 100 grams).
Iodine in cereals
Many of the most common cereals, such as rice, wheat, rye, are rich in iodine. If you take 100 grams of corn flour, you get 80 mg of iodine.
Iodine Warnings
You must consider that your doctor should always tell you if you need more of this mineral or not. You cannot, for example, start eating seaweed every day or increase your doses of iodized salt, absolutely not!
A high dose of iodine can have negative effects on our body, it can, for example, lead to hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, an excessive intake of this mineral is contraindicated when taking certain drugs such as, for example, all those associated with manic-depressive diseases.
When in doubt, always ask your doctor. In any case, a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits and grains can only be good for our health.
