Wonderful sources for Iron Rich Foods

By Faryn Clark


The normal function of thyroid gland, which synthesizes thyroid hormones, is maintained by a principal trace element, Iodine. One should ensure adequate intake of dietary iodine as it helps to perform various vital body functions such as the calcium homeostasis, detoxification, growth and development of body, and in the regulation of normal cellular metabolic rate. Inadequate intake of dietary iodine results in iron deficiency, with wide range of symptoms like hypothyroidism accompanied by swelling of the thyroid (goiter), lethargy, fatigue, suppressed immune function, slow metabolism, autism, depression weight gain, and anxiety to include a few. Hence, recommended intake of dietary iodine is vital for the regulatory function of thyroid gland. Read on to know the iodine rich foods that can boost the function of thyroid gland by increasing the iodine levels in the body, thus preventing various manifestations of thyroid disorders.

Kelp

In general, the richest iodine source includes any type of seafood as the seawater is rich in iodine content. Kelp is one among the most edible seaweeds and vegetables that are rich in iodine levels. Kelp is commonly sold in the grocery stores or supermarkets in Asia. It is available in either fresh form as kombu or as a dried variety. Dried kelp can be cooked after soaking it in water for some time. It can be either taken as a salad or a side vegetable.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the richest iodine sources that are commonly advised in case of thyroid imbalance. In fact, the iodine content for each egg widely varies as it depends upon the amount of iodine that has been fed to the hen. An egg that weighs around 50 grams has been expected to contain about 13 and 70mcg of iodine. Moreover, a hen that is fed with an iodine rich diet can form an egg containing up to 200 mcg of iodine. One can also include another rich source of iodine, shrimp to the diet by combining a shrimp omelet with eggs.

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

An iodine rich home in the world is a sea as it contains various iodine rich sea vegetables such as Hiziki, Kombu, Kelp, Wakame and Arame. Kelp contains high levels of iodine in the world and each serving of it supplies over 4 times the recommended daily iodine requirement to the body. The level of iodine present in a tablespoon of each the sea vegetables are mentioned is as follows: About 2000/mcg of iodine is present in a teaspoon of Kelp, 780/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Hiziki, 730/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Arame, 80/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Wakame, and 1450/mcg iodine in an inch of Kombu. These sea vegetables can be either used as salad dressings or in soups.

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

According to research, one can obtain recommended iodine through diet by the consumption of iodized foods and salt. The national salt iodination standards have been set up by the WHO and various other health organizations in many countries to supply iodized salt. Iodizing salt is extremely cost effective and can be included in any dish. Most importantly, it helps to prevent the dietary iodine deficiency. UNICEF claims that iodized salt has been taken in about 66 percent households all over the world.




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