Iodine makes up the principal element in the body by maintaining the normal production of thyroid hormones through thyroid gland. Recommended dietary intake of iodine maintains normal thyroid gland function, which takes part in regulating detoxification, cellular metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and growth of the body. When sufficient amount of iodine is not taken then it could lead to fatigue, lethargy, autism, iron deficiency, hypothyroidism associated with goiter (enlargement of thyroid gland), weight gain, reduced metabolic rate, anxiety, and impaired immune function. Hence, adequate intake of iodine plays an important role in regulating thyroid gland function. Here is a brief outline about iodine rich foods that helps to modulate thyroid function, thus preventing thyroid disorders.
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 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
Watercress is considered as an oldest leafy vegetable that has been consumed by the humans since olden times. An abundant iodine source that is used to garnish foods includes watercress sprigs. Watercress not only contains iodine, but it also contains various nutrients such as vitamin K, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium. Moreover, watercress is a best plant source that is abundant in iodine and it is hence, a preferred choice for those on a vegan 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 iodine level in milk products depends on the cow's dietary intake of iodine, similarly as eggs. It is also reported that the seasonal variations can affect the iodine level of milk as the milk produced by the cow during summer contains lesser level of iodine than during winter. In fact, an average level of iodine in a cup of milk can range from between 58 and 116 mcg. Also, the milk produced by the sheeps and goats contains higher level of iodine than cow's milk. One of the richest iodine sources among dairy products is mozzarella cheese. Other iodine rich sources of probiotic products include cheese, yoghurt, butter milk and ice cream, to mention a few. Moreover, the iodine level can depend upon the source and form of dairy product.
Foods fortified with iodine or iodized salt
Research claims that one can meet with the daily iodine requirement by the incorporation of iodized salt containing foods to the diet. Many countries have been producing iodized salt according to the national salt iodination standards as set by the WHO and various other organizations. Iodizing salt is considered as the essential source that helps to overcome iodine deficiency. It can be included in any dish and is extremely low in cost. UNICEF reports that around 66 percent households all utilizing iodized salt all across the world.
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 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
Watercress is considered as an oldest leafy vegetable that has been consumed by the humans since olden times. An abundant iodine source that is used to garnish foods includes watercress sprigs. Watercress not only contains iodine, but it also contains various nutrients such as vitamin K, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium. Moreover, watercress is a best plant source that is abundant in iodine and it is hence, a preferred choice for those on a vegan 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 iodine level in milk products depends on the cow's dietary intake of iodine, similarly as eggs. It is also reported that the seasonal variations can affect the iodine level of milk as the milk produced by the cow during summer contains lesser level of iodine than during winter. In fact, an average level of iodine in a cup of milk can range from between 58 and 116 mcg. Also, the milk produced by the sheeps and goats contains higher level of iodine than cow's milk. One of the richest iodine sources among dairy products is mozzarella cheese. Other iodine rich sources of probiotic products include cheese, yoghurt, butter milk and ice cream, to mention a few. Moreover, the iodine level can depend upon the source and form of dairy product.
Foods fortified with iodine or iodized salt
Research claims that one can meet with the daily iodine requirement by the incorporation of iodized salt containing foods to the diet. Many countries have been producing iodized salt according to the national salt iodination standards as set by the WHO and various other organizations. Iodizing salt is considered as the essential source that helps to overcome iodine deficiency. It can be included in any dish and is extremely low in cost. UNICEF reports that around 66 percent households all utilizing iodized salt all across the world.
About the Author:
Being the owner of Biosanes Mrs. Clark takes pleasure in supplying health strategies and information to the public. If you'd like to learn more about this particular article along with health related tips and hints. click on this link
No comments:
Post a Comment