Iodine is an essential trace element needed for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and its production of the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine regulates our activity level, growth and development, the reproductive function and the health of hair and skin. Iodine deficiency may cause weight gain, fatigue or weakness, feelings of depression and enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). Iodized salt was introduced worldwide in the 1990s to correct the prevalence of iodine deficiency. The following foods are rich sources of iodine.
Foods Rich in Iodine
Foods rich in iodine include fish, dairy products and seaweed. Haddock is one of the richest sources of iodine. Cod fish, shell fish and most other fresh fish contain good amounts of iodine.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as eggs, cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, 2 percent cow's milk and low-fat yogurt are good sources of iodine.
Seaweed
Foods with the highest content of iodine are iodized salt, sea kelp and sea weed. Sushi with its combination of seed weed and fish is also an excellent source of iodine.
Sea weed like arame, hijike and Kombu, dulce and nori and wakame are rich in iodine as well as calcium and zinc. Arame may be steamed, sauteed or added to soups and salads. Hijiki can be soaked overnight and slowly cooked. Kombu is a brown sea weed also called kelp or marine algae. It may be cut in strips; boiled in water for 10 minutes then the water maybe used as a soup base. Kombu may also be soaked and used to wrap around flavored vegetables or fish. Dulce-seed weed is high in iodine and rich with protein. Nori may be wrapped around small rice balls and then dipped in soy. It may also be soaked and added to soups or salads. Wakame like Kombu is kelp. It's great in soups and salads. Kombu looks and taste similar to spinach lasagna.
Considerations
Keep in mind that foods like cabbage, soybeans and turnips and peanuts contain goitrogens. This is a substance that interferes with thyroid function. These foods when taken in excess make it difficult for the body to process iodine. Increasing the intake of foods with iodine content may help in counteracting their effects.
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