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 general, the richest iodine source includes any type of seafood as the seawater is rich in iodine content. Kelp is one among the most edible seaweeds and vegetables that are rich in iodine levels. Kelp is commonly sold in the grocery stores or supermarkets in Asia. It is available in either fresh form as kombu or as a dried variety. Dried kelp can be cooked after soaking it in water for some time. It can be either taken as a salad or a side vegetable.
Eggs
One of the richest source of iodine includes eggs. In general, the iodine level for each egg varies because it depends on the quantity of iodine that has been administered to the hen. A large egg that weighs up to 50 grams is estimated to contain an iodine content ranging from between 13 and 70mcg. An egg can contain up o 200mcg of iodine if the hen is well-fed with an iodine rich diet. The best advantage of consuming eggs is that one can consume a combination of egg and shrimp (another iodine rich source) as part of the diet.
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
An iodine rich home in the world is a sea as it contains various iodine rich sea vegetables such as Hiziki, Kombu, Kelp, Wakame and Arame. Kelp contains high levels of iodine in the world and each serving of it supplies over 4 times the recommended daily iodine requirement to the body. The level of iodine present in a tablespoon of each the sea vegetables are mentioned is as follows: About 2000/mcg of iodine is present in a teaspoon of Kelp, 780/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Hiziki, 730/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Arame, 80/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Wakame, and 1450/mcg iodine in an inch of Kombu. These sea vegetables can be either used as salad dressings or in soups.
Dairy Products
Similar to eggs, the milk products can contain varying levels of iodine depending upon the daily iodine intake by the cow. It has been claimed by the research studies that the milk iodine level can vary in different seasons. This is because the iodine content of milk produced by a cow during winter is higher during winter when compared to the milk produced by a cow during summer. On an average, the iodine concentration in a cup of cow milk is estimated to be around 58 and 116 mcg. It has been reported that the iodine concentration is higher in the milk produced by the sheeps and goats. Mozzarella cheese is considered to be the milk product with richest iodine concentration. Some of the probiotic milk products that contain high concentration of iodine include yoghurt, cheese, ice cream and butter milk, to mention a few. Moreover, the iodine concentration can vary depending on the type of the milk product and its derivative.
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.
Kelp
In general, the richest iodine source includes any type of seafood as the seawater is rich in iodine content. Kelp is one among the most edible seaweeds and vegetables that are rich in iodine levels. Kelp is commonly sold in the grocery stores or supermarkets in Asia. It is available in either fresh form as kombu or as a dried variety. Dried kelp can be cooked after soaking it in water for some time. It can be either taken as a salad or a side vegetable.
Eggs
One of the richest source of iodine includes eggs. In general, the iodine level for each egg varies because it depends on the quantity of iodine that has been administered to the hen. A large egg that weighs up to 50 grams is estimated to contain an iodine content ranging from between 13 and 70mcg. An egg can contain up o 200mcg of iodine if the hen is well-fed with an iodine rich diet. The best advantage of consuming eggs is that one can consume a combination of egg and shrimp (another iodine rich source) as part of the diet.
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
An iodine rich home in the world is a sea as it contains various iodine rich sea vegetables such as Hiziki, Kombu, Kelp, Wakame and Arame. Kelp contains high levels of iodine in the world and each serving of it supplies over 4 times the recommended daily iodine requirement to the body. The level of iodine present in a tablespoon of each the sea vegetables are mentioned is as follows: About 2000/mcg of iodine is present in a teaspoon of Kelp, 780/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Hiziki, 730/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Arame, 80/mcg iodine in a tablespoonful of Wakame, and 1450/mcg iodine in an inch of Kombu. These sea vegetables can be either used as salad dressings or in soups.
Dairy Products
Similar to eggs, the milk products can contain varying levels of iodine depending upon the daily iodine intake by the cow. It has been claimed by the research studies that the milk iodine level can vary in different seasons. This is because the iodine content of milk produced by a cow during winter is higher during winter when compared to the milk produced by a cow during summer. On an average, the iodine concentration in a cup of cow milk is estimated to be around 58 and 116 mcg. It has been reported that the iodine concentration is higher in the milk produced by the sheeps and goats. Mozzarella cheese is considered to be the milk product with richest iodine concentration. Some of the probiotic milk products that contain high concentration of iodine include yoghurt, cheese, ice cream and butter milk, to mention a few. Moreover, the iodine concentration can vary depending on the type of the milk product and its derivative.
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.
About the Author:
Being the founder of Biosanes Nutrition Faryn Clark likes supplying health knowledge towards masses. Should you want to learn more about this informative article together with health-related secrets. please click here