The principal trace element that maintains the normal function of thyroid gland is iodine. A proper functioning thyroid gland regulates various body functions such as calcium homeostasis, detoxification, cellular metabolism, and growth and development of the body. Hence, it is crucial to take the recommended iodine through the diet as inadequate iodine intake results in various body manifestations such as hypothyroidism with goiter (progressive thyroid gland enlargement), reduced metabolic rate, iron deficiency, lethargy, weight gain, fatigue, impaired immune function, depression, anxiety, and reduced immune capacity, to mention a few. Therefore, normal function of the thyroid gland can be maintained by an adequate intake of iodine. Here is a brief discussion on iodine rich foods that improve the thyroid function by maintaining the function of thyroid function and by preventing various disorders of the thyroid gland.
Kelp
Seafood is considered to be the richest source of iodine as it contains high levels of iodine. Kelp is one among the most edible seaweed and vegetable that contains abundant iodine. Kelp is available in the Asian market in various forms such as dried form and as kombu, a fresh kelp. Kelp in dried form can be cooked after soaking it in water. It can be taken as a side vegetable dish or a salad.
Eggs
Eggs are considered to be the best iodine rich food sources. Moreover, each egg can contain different iodine levels because the amount of iodine administered to each hen varies. In fact, the iodine content of an egg depends on the iodine intake of the hen. It has been estimated that most of the eggs, weighing about 50 grams each contain iodine between 13 and 70 mcg. However, a hen on iodine rich diet can produce an egg containing up to 200 mcg of iodine. The iodine rich diet can commonly include eggs along with a portion of shrimp omelet, which is also a good source of iodine.
Watercress
An oldest leafy vegetable that has been used from olden era is watercress. Sprigs of watercress make an abundant source of iodine and can be used to garnish various dishes. Besides containing iodine, watercress contains many healthy nutrients like potassium, beta carotene, vitamin c, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin k and calcium. Additionally, watercress is the richest iodine containing plant source and is thus recommended for people on a vegetarian diet.
Sea vegetables
The sea is considered as a biggest store house of sources that contain abundant iodine, which include kelp, arame, hiziki, kombu and wakame. A single serving of kelp can fill up the recommended daily iodine requirement by providing more than 4-fold iodine content to the body and thus, is the only source that contains richest levels of iodine. The iodine level in a tablespoon of various sea vegetables are as follows: a teaspoon of kelp contains 2000/mcg of iodine, a tablespoon of hiziki contains 780/mcg iodine, a tablespoon of arame contains 730/mcg iodine, an inch of kombu contains 1450/mcg iodine and a tablespoon of wakame contains 80/mcg of iodine. These sea vegetables can be used to garnish soups and salads.
Dairy Products
The concentration of Iodine in milk products is similar to eggs as it usually depends upon the amount of dietary iodine intake of cows. It has been reported that the iodine concentration in cow's milk can be influenced by a seasonal variation. In fact, the iodine concentration in a cow's milk is much higher during winter when compared to the milk produced by a cow during summer. Moreover, the average concentration of iodine in a cup of cow's milk can be around 58 and 116 mcg. In contrary, sheeps and goats can produce milk that contains a much higher concentration of iodine. Mozzarella cheese is a dairy product that contains abundant iodine. Some of the other iodine rich sources include probiotic products such as ice cream, cheese, yoghurt, and butter milk to include a few. However, the type and source of the dairy product determines the iodine concentration in these foods.
Foods fortified with iodine or iodized salt
Research reports that the daily iodine requirements of the body can be met by the consumption of iodine rich foods and foods containing iodized salt. The WHO and other organizations have set the national salt iodination standards in various countries in an effort to promote an access to iodized salt. Iodizing salt is highly recommended to treat and prevent dietary iodine deficiency in the body. Iodizing salt is priced low and can be included in any type of cuisine. According to UNICEF, about 66% of households all over the world can access iodized salt.
Kelp
Seafood is considered to be the richest source of iodine as it contains high levels of iodine. Kelp is one among the most edible seaweed and vegetable that contains abundant iodine. Kelp is available in the Asian market in various forms such as dried form and as kombu, a fresh kelp. Kelp in dried form can be cooked after soaking it in water. It can be taken as a side vegetable dish or a salad.
Eggs
Eggs are considered to be the best iodine rich food sources. Moreover, each egg can contain different iodine levels because the amount of iodine administered to each hen varies. In fact, the iodine content of an egg depends on the iodine intake of the hen. It has been estimated that most of the eggs, weighing about 50 grams each contain iodine between 13 and 70 mcg. However, a hen on iodine rich diet can produce an egg containing up to 200 mcg of iodine. The iodine rich diet can commonly include eggs along with a portion of shrimp omelet, which is also a good source of iodine.
Watercress
An oldest leafy vegetable that has been used from olden era is watercress. Sprigs of watercress make an abundant source of iodine and can be used to garnish various dishes. Besides containing iodine, watercress contains many healthy nutrients like potassium, beta carotene, vitamin c, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin k and calcium. Additionally, watercress is the richest iodine containing plant source and is thus recommended for people on a vegetarian diet.
Sea vegetables
The sea is considered as a biggest store house of sources that contain abundant iodine, which include kelp, arame, hiziki, kombu and wakame. A single serving of kelp can fill up the recommended daily iodine requirement by providing more than 4-fold iodine content to the body and thus, is the only source that contains richest levels of iodine. The iodine level in a tablespoon of various sea vegetables are as follows: a teaspoon of kelp contains 2000/mcg of iodine, a tablespoon of hiziki contains 780/mcg iodine, a tablespoon of arame contains 730/mcg iodine, an inch of kombu contains 1450/mcg iodine and a tablespoon of wakame contains 80/mcg of iodine. These sea vegetables can be used to garnish soups and salads.
Dairy Products
The concentration of Iodine in milk products is similar to eggs as it usually depends upon the amount of dietary iodine intake of cows. It has been reported that the iodine concentration in cow's milk can be influenced by a seasonal variation. In fact, the iodine concentration in a cow's milk is much higher during winter when compared to the milk produced by a cow during summer. Moreover, the average concentration of iodine in a cup of cow's milk can be around 58 and 116 mcg. In contrary, sheeps and goats can produce milk that contains a much higher concentration of iodine. Mozzarella cheese is a dairy product that contains abundant iodine. Some of the other iodine rich sources include probiotic products such as ice cream, cheese, yoghurt, and butter milk to include a few. However, the type and source of the dairy product determines the iodine concentration in these foods.
Foods fortified with iodine or iodized salt
Research reports that the daily iodine requirements of the body can be met by the consumption of iodine rich foods and foods containing iodized salt. The WHO and other organizations have set the national salt iodination standards in various countries in an effort to promote an access to iodized salt. Iodizing salt is highly recommended to treat and prevent dietary iodine deficiency in the body. Iodizing salt is priced low and can be included in any type of cuisine. According to UNICEF, about 66% of households all over the world can access iodized salt.
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Being the director of Biosanes Weight Loss & Nutrition Faryn takes pleasure in providing health related information for the public. If you'd like to know more about this post and additional health related recommendations. click for more information
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