Fabulous options 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 fact, any type of seafood is considered as a rich iodine source because the seawater contains highest levels of iodine. Kelp is one such source that contains iodine, which is one of the most edible seaweed and vegetables. Kelp is sold in either dried or fresh form in many grocery or super markets in Asian market. Kombu is a fresh form of kelp that has to be soaked in water and cooked. It can be added into the salad or a side vegetable.

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

Watercress is a leafy vegetable that has been consumed by people since olden periods. Watercress sprigs contain abundant iodine and can be commonly used to garnish variety of foods. It also contains wide range of healthy nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium. In addition to that, watercress is one of plant source that is rich in iodine and is thus advised for people on a vegan diet.

Sea vegetables

The sea is considered as a home for iodine rich sources such as kelp, kombu, wakame, arame, and hiziki. One of the richest iodine in the planet is kelp and per serving of kelp exceeds up to 4 times the daily recommended intake of iodine. Hence, kelp is a richest source of iodine. The iodine level in each sea vegetable is mentioned as follows: 80/mcg iodine is present in a tablespoonful of wakame, 2000/mcg iodine is present in a tablespoonful of kelp, 780/mcg iodine is present in a tablespoonful of hiziki, 730/mcg in a tablespoonful of arame, and 1450/mcg in an inch of kombu. These sea vegetables are suitable to be used in salads and 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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