Iodine
Iodine, with the chemical symbol I, is an essential mineral in the human body. It plays an important role in stabilizing the metabolic rate of the body and helps keep the thyroid gland functioning as it should. In its effects on this gland, it helps to control the metabolism of the body and its absorption of salt, so indirectly it has an effect on all the major systems of the body.
Iodine helps to control the body temperature and assists calcium in its role of repairing damaged tissues in the body. Although the thyroid is the area of the body that stores iodine in large amounts, there are also deposits of it in the muscles and bones.
The amount of iodine contained in foods is very minute. Iodized salt and bread dough that contains iodate bread conditioners are two of the best foods for your iodine intake. However, consuming too much salt has a negative effect on the body because it does raise the blood pressure. Other foods that contain iodine and should be part of your regular diet are:
- Sea vegetables
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Mozzarella cheese
- Eggs
- Strawberries
Seafood also contains iodine, but it is hard to determine the exact amount. If you relied wholly on this food for your iodine needs, it is highly probable that your body would not get enough to maintain normal functioning. You would need to have one meal of seafood every day to supply half of what you body needs in this mineral.
continue to Iodine Part 2