Iodine

It is an essential nutrient required by the body, although it is needed in small amounts. Iodine deficiency in the body can lead to many different diseases such as cretinism, hypothyroid and goiter. Also, iodine deficiency can also cause the body to become more susceptible to infection. Iodine is a strong antiseptic and antibiotic and can be used to treat both internal and external infections. The best thing is that there are many popular foods that are rich in iodine and you can easily include them in your daily diet. Although iodine is not required in large amounts like other micronutrients in the body, it is definitely required for proper functioning of the body and especially the thyroid gland. That is why you should consume iodine as much as possible.

Iodine

Iodine was first discovered by French chemist Bernard Corto, who first burned seaweed in 1811 and washed the ashes with water. The waste left over when treated with sulfuric acid produces dark purple crystals of iodine. In 1814 iodine was identified as a new element by the English chemist Sir Humphrey and he named it after the Greek word Ioedes which means purple. The abundant natural source of iodine is salt water or sea water, in which iodine is present as a negatively charged ion. Since it is present in high concentrations in saltwater, it is also an essential nutrient for most life forms, including human life. Iodine is a rare element and hence iodine deficiency is quite common in humans and other land animals.

Nutritional value of iodine

The most important nutritional role of iodine in the human body is in the synthesis of the hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine secreted by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine directly from the blood, so the thyroid gland has a higher concentration of this element than anywhere else in the human body. Pure iodine cannot be consumed because it is highly reactive. This is why it is available as a supplement in compound form. Iodide salts such as potassium iodide and sodium iodide are particularly used for this purpose because they are highly soluble in water.

Health Benefits of Iodine

The following are the best health benefits of apple

Regulate metabolism

Iodine helps in the production of hormones that regulate the metabolism of the body and hence it can be said that it can make or break the metabolism of the body. Iodine helps in absorbing food in the body and converting food into energy. Calories in the body burn and lose weight, otherwise they accumulate in the body in the form of excess fat which leads to weight gain. Due to this process you can remain active and energetic throughout the day and sleep peacefully at night. So it can be said that iodine helps in reducing insomnia and depression.

Thyroid gland support

Hormones such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine are produced by the thyroid gland with the help of iodine and these hormones are essential for many life sustaining systems. Iodine deficiency causes the thyroid gland to increase in size, causing diseases such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and cretinism. Iodine deficiency causes the thyroid gland to function abnormally, causing many problems such as hair loss, memory impairment, and allergies.

Reproductive system support

Iodine helps the reproductive organs to grow and mature naturally. At the same time, iodine also helps in easy pregnancy and protects the unborn child from neurological problems. In fact, iodine is the deciding factor in the mental and physical health of the unborn child. This is the reason why doctors recommend pregnant women to take iodine supplements as they have to consume it for themselves as well as for the unborn child.

Strengthens the immune system

Viruses and bacteria cannot thrive in an environment rich in iodine. This is why iodine protects the body from various diseases. It activates antioxidants and therefore forms a strong defense mechanism which in turn protects against serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

May help treat fibrocystic diseases

Fibrocystic disease is a condition in which the lumps in the breast grow and iodine can help treat the condition. It reduces the symptoms of fibrosis and prevents the disease and pain associated with it. This is why iodine is used extensively in the treatment of fibrosis nowadays. In stability and functionality iodine is helpful in producing estrogen which is essential for the health of the breasts and eliminates lumps formation ulcers in the breast.

Maintain cognitive ability

Iodine in the body helps in thinking and conceiving correctly. If you notice a drop in your brain activity, you should immediately check for iodine levels. Studies have shown that people suffering from such conditions show improvement immediately after iodine intake. Productivity increases in adults and it develops cognitive ability in children.

Regulates many hormones

Iodine helps in proper functioning of the thyroid gland which produces many hormones in the body. Therefore we can say that iodine plays an important role in the functioning of this gland. This in turn keeps hormones at the appropriate level and prevents their fluctuating levels. Hormones control many processes in the body and iodine enables them to function well.

Radiation prevention

Iodine protects the thyroid gland from absorbing radiation from radioactive elements. This in turn protects the gland from any injury caused by radiation. This property of iodine is particularly useful for those working in places where there is a risk of radiation leaks in radiology laboratories in nuclear power plants or even hospitals. At the same time, iodine is also used to treat patients who are undergoing radiation treatment.

Fights pathogens

Iodine is a better method for treating diseases caused by pathogens. Oral antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria thus depriving the body of healthy bacteria and leaving unnecessary residue in the body. On the other hand, iodine has the same effect as antibiotics but does not harm good bacteria.

Cancer prevention

Iodine helps in the shrinking and death of cancer cells. A process called apoptosis is a process in which systemic cell death occurs in multicellular organisms. Iodine inhibits and kills cells that grow continuously and kills the body. This is why iodine plays an important role in preventing breast, thyroid, gastric and prostate cancer.

Keep nails strong

Iodine strengthens brittle and weak nails. It also improves the overall condition of the nails and prevents them from infection. Eating a well-balanced diet is essential so that you ensure that you are consuming the right amount of iodine which will maintain the health of your nails and ensure hard, clear and chip-proof nails.

Uses of iodine

Iodine is often used as a sterilizing agent. Most of the products used for sterilization products for the body contain iodine. It is an excellent wound cleaner and can be used to purify water. It is also used in a number of eye drops as it is known to provide protection against UVB radiation.

Iodine Side Effects & Allergies

The good news is that there are many popular foods rich in iodine that you can include in your diet to ensure that you are consuming enough iodine. The ocean is the single largest source of iodized foods such as kelp, arme, hijiki, kombu and wakame. It is a good idea to sprinkle these in a soup or salad. Cranberry is not only rich in antioxidants, but also in iodine. It is recommended that you buy fresh organic berries or juices. Organic yogurt is another rich source of iodine because one serving of yogurt supplies half of your daily iodine needs. Apart from yogurt there are many probiotic foods which are also rich in iodine and you should include them in your daily diet. Organic navy beans are quite rich in iodine and only ½ a cup contains about 32 / mcg iodine. Apart from their high iodine content, Navy beans are also high in fiber making them an excellent food. Organic strawberries contain about 10 percent of your daily requirement of iodine. A cup of fresh strawberries contains about 13 / mcg iodine.

Iodine cultivation

The good news is that there are many popular foods rich in iodine that you can include in your diet to ensure that you are consuming enough iodine. The ocean is the single largest source of iodized foods such as kelp, arme, hijiki, kombu and wakame. It is a good idea to sprinkle these in a soup or salad. Cranberry is not only rich in antioxidants, but also in iodine. It is recommended that you buy fresh organic berries or juices. Organic yogurt is another rich source of iodine because one serving of yogurt supplies half of your daily iodine needs. Apart from yogurt there are many probiotic foods which are also rich in iodine and you should include them in your daily diet. Organic navy beans are quite rich in iodine and only ½ a cup contains about 32 / mcg iodine. Apart from their high iodine content, Navy beans are also high in fiber making them an excellent food. Organic strawberries contain about 10 percent of your daily requirement of iodine. A cup of fresh strawberries contains about 13 / mcg iodine.