Iodine is a mineral essential to healthy growth of the human body. A deficiency in iodine is responsible for creating hypothyroidism. One of the classic symptoms of an iodine deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland, referred to as a goiter. The incidence of iodine deficiency in the United States has been greatly reduced through the use of iodized salt; however, certain other foods are rich in iodine that gives the body what it needs for normal growth and function.
Seafood
Exceedingly rich in iodine, fish are a primary source for this trace mineral. Most fish are able to extract and concentrate iodine from seawater. Two of the highest sources of iodine are cod and shrimp. Other fish rich in iodine are tuna, haddock, white deepwater fish and all varieties of shellfish.
Iodized Salt
The primary source in the United States for iodine comes from manufactured, iodized salt. It consists of regular table salt combined with minuscule amounts of iodine-containing salts. Iodized salt has become a standard for use in the United States and is found in almost all packaged foods that have been pre-salted.
Kelp
Brown seaweed kelp as well as other forms of seaweed such as wakame and nori are rich in iodine, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports, and are excellent to add to foods for their high nutrient content. Add kelp as seasoning or use it as a supplement in pill form.
Vegetables
A variety of vegetables including spinach, soybeans, turnip greens, Swiss chard, summer squash, lima beans and garlic are all high in iodine and make great additions to the diet, not only for their iodine content, but for the wide variety of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants they contain.
Strawberries
Few fruits contain iodine, but strawberries are the exception. Although they are not a major player, they do contain small amounts of iodine and offer other nutrients and vitamins which makes them a wonderful addition to your meals. Low in calories and high in flavor, add strawberries for desert or have a strawberry protein shake and get that extra little bit of iodine they provide.
Milk, Yogurt and Cheese
Yogurt and other dairy products are usually rich in iodine due to having had iodine added to animal feeds by dairy farmers, the Linus Pauling Institute reports. Amounts of iodine tend to be lower in the summer when cows are allowed to graze where soil content is lower in iodine.
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