Health Benefits of Iodine
September 15, 2009
Iodine is found to be unavoidable for the development and growth of human being. Human body requires iodine for the synthesis of thyroid hormones which in turn controls several functions of the body.
Most of the iodine present in our body is stored with in the thyroid gland. Iodine also helps our body to utilize the calories efficiently and there by reduces the accumulation of fat with in the body.
Iodine can also help us by removing the toxins from the body. Deficiency of iron may cause mental retardation, depression, goiter, frustration, constipation, decreased fertility, chances of still birth, abnormal weight gain etc.
Natural Sources of Iodine
Iodized salt is an important source of iodine and is cheaply available as well. Other sources of iodine include marine animals and plants like deep water fish, shellfish, brown seaweed kelp, canned tuna, canned sardines, oyster, shrimp, salmon, seaweed, kelp etc. Vegetables like summer squash, spinach, turnip, greens and lima beans, soy beans, sesame seeds, garlic are also found to have iodine.
Health Benefits of Iodine
On Goiter Prevention
Enlargement of thyroid gland is called goiter and this is caused by the imbalance of iodine. In the absence of iodine thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones and this in turn affects several other functions of the body.
On Removal of Toxins
Iodine plays a major role in the removal toxins like lead, fluorine, mercury and other biological toxins from the body and there by improves the strength of the immune system. It also prevents the development and growth of harmful bacteria with in the stomach and intestine.
On Metabolism
Iodine helps the thyroid gland to synthesis hormones called triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones in turn control the basic metabolic rate of the body and also aids in the synthesis of proteins. These hormones will also controls blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and the body weight by preventing the fat deposition.
On Reproductive System
For the proper growth and development of reproductive system iodine is a vital element. In pregnant women deficiency of iodine cause still births and cretinism a neurocognitive condition. It also affects the proper growth, hearing and speaking ability of the child.
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