Sources of Iodine
- The best dietary source of iodine is iodized salt. Using iodized salt or consuming foods prepared with iodized salt has been the easiest way to ensure that the body gets its required dosage of iodine. Iodizing salt is also the most economical way of supplying the body with iodine.
- Sea foods and spinach also contain reasonable quantities of iodine.
- Dairy products also contain a good proportion of iodine. A cup of cows milk contains may contain anywhere between 60 and 120 mcg. Goats and sheeps milk may contain even more iodine.
- Kelp: Kelp is a large brown seaweed that grows like a tree under water. Kelp is known to have high quantities of iodine, ranging from 2500 to 8000 mcg/gram. Seaweed (especially kelp) is known as one of the best natural sources of Iodine. Since the concentration of iodine in kelp is very high, it is advisable to consume it in moderation. Excess iodine in your body may also cause some side effects.
- Eggs are also a commonly accepted source of iodine. The amount of iodine in eggs depend on how much iodine the hen has consumed.The amount of iodine in an egg ranges between 20 to 200 mcg per egg.
- Watercress: Watercress is a semi aquatic plant and is a leafy vegetable that is commonly used in salads. In addition to being a highly nutritional vegetarian source of Iodine, watercress is also a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin K, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
Functions of Iodine in the Body
The chief storehouse of Iodine in the body is the thyroid gland. This iodine is obtained from the food that is eaten.
- Thyroxine, which is secreted by the thyroid gland, contains iodine. The thyroid hormone controls the basic metabolism and oxygen consumption of tissues.
- It controls the utilization of sugars.
- It regulates the rate of energy production and body weight and promotes proper growth.
- It increases the heart rate as well as urinary calcium excretion.
- It improves mental alacrity and promotes healthy hair, nails, skin, and teeth.
- The iodine derived thyroid hormones are responsible for telling our body cells how energy to make to carry out our day-to-day activities.
- Appropriate levels of iodine in your body helps you maintain a healthy body weight, preventing you from being obese of being too thin.
- Iodine helps maintain our cholesterol levels. The thyroid hormones break down the cholesterol. Too less iodine in our diet would increase the cholesterol levels.
- Iodine helps keep our hair, nails and skin healthy.
