Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Iodine is an important micromineral that is mandatory for your normal growth and development. Iodine is utilized by your body in the form of iodine salts. It is required in very small quantities and around 55-60% of the iodine is stored in the thyroid gland in your body. A regular intake of iodine is important as it helps produce many hormones that are utilized in numerous metabolic and cellular reactions.

A deficiency of iodine leads to the slowing down of metabolic rate, and this in turn leads to frustration, anxiety, tension, depression, lethargy, fatigue, poor perception level, mental retardation, tiredness and weight gain. The deficiency of the iodine also gives rise to “Goiter”, a disease which is characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland and swelling of the neck. Other deficiency symptoms include coarse and rough skin, constipation, decreased fertility, cretinism and decreased libido. In many countries, iodine is added to the table salt to provide the daily recommended allowance of iodine to the consumers.

Among numerous health benefits of iodine, one important benefit is that it plays a vital role in maintaining the optimum energy levels of the body. Iodine does not allow the deposition of excess fats around your body parts as it ensures optimum utilization of calories. It also helps maintain the normal heart rate and is responsible for the development of the central nervous system.

Iodine has a positive effect on the functioning of thyroid glands as it assists in the production of hormones which control the basic metabolic rate. Hormone like triodothyronine influences your temperature, blood pressure and body weight. A regular intake of iodine also promotes a fresh and healthy skin, strong teeth and shinny hair. The deficiency of iodine often leads to the hair loss.

Another important function of iodine is that it regulates the break down of carbohydrates, fats and proteins into smaller molecules. It also makes a vital micromineral for a healthy reproductive system as it helps in the maturity of reproductive organs. Moreover, iodine exhibits anti-cancer properties and treatment of cancer cells with iodine and iodine solution generates very encouraging results. Iodine strengthens your immune system and helps remove toxic chemicals such as mercury and lead from your body. Furthermore, iodine helps reduce conditions such as turgidity, fibrosis and breast tenderness.

The rich food sources of iodine include marine animals and plants. Lobster, salmon, shrimp, shellfish, oyster, cod, halibut, clams, canned sardines, kelp, seaweed and dulse contain dietary iodine and should be consumed on a regular basis. Other iodine food sources include summer squash, sesame seeds, spinach, garlic, soybeans and turnip greens.

Iodine can also be used in a supplement form on a daily basis. Gaspari Anavite Multivitamin contains iodine as kelp and offers countless benefits of iodine in a single capsule. Not only does this supplement contain high potency multivitamin and mineral formula, but it also enhances post exercise muscle recovery. It includes vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E. Minerals are iodine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, copper, manganese, potassium, chromium, and molybdenum.

Like macrominerals, microminerals make an important part of your nutrition and the daily recommended allowance of these minerals should be consumed in order to maintain a good health. As the first part of their name “micro” suggests, they are required in small quantities by your body and the required intake of each micromineral is less than 100mg per day. They are present in the body cells in extremely small amounts and the total body content of these minerals is less than 5 grams. They include iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, iodine, fluoride, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, cobalt and nickel.

Iron makes an important micromineral and is required by the body for the synthesis of certain coenzymes, proteins and haemoglobin. The important food sources of iron include liver, spinach and aubergine. Zinc plays a vital role in maintaining your health because it is required for the synthesis of several enzymes such as carbonic anhydrase and carboxypeptidase. It helps manufacture proteins and heal wounds. It is vital to your defence system and neutralises the harmful effects of dangerous free radicals. Moreover, it is important for the sexual health and increases the fertility of your sperms.

Manganese is stored in the pigmented cells of your skin, and eye retina. It is required for the development of the strong bones and muscles. It helps in the synthesis of fats and carbohydrates and processing of oxygen. Some physicians use manganese therapy to treat painful joints, bone disorders and even cancer. The rich food sources of manganese are pulses, avocados, vegetables, nuts and grain cereals. The recommended daily allowance of manganese is 2.5-3.5mg/day.

Copper makes a very important component of many redox enzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase. It helps regulate several hormones and destroy oxygen-free radicals. Important food sources are liver and shellfish. Selenium is required for the peroxidase and helps prevent several types of cancer. Iodine makes an important micromineral and is required in the larger quantities as compared to other microminerals. Not only it helps in the biosynthesis of thyroxine, but is also vital for maintaining a healthy gut, salivary glands and thymus.

Fluoride is another micromineral which is required for maintaining a healthy bone structure. Chromium is required for the sugar metabolism while Vanadium plays a role in the biosynthesis of certain enzymes, although a lot of research is still needed in this regard. Molybdenum is required for the xanthine oxidase and related oxidases and plays a vital role in the male sexual function. Cobalt is required for the biosynthesis of vitamin B-12, while Nickel is present in the urease.

To supply your body with the recommended daily allowance of microminerals, make sure that you use a supplement such as Seven Seas Vegan Multivitamins & Minerals on a regular basis. It makes a wonderful combination of minerals and vitamins which help people to maintain a good health and vitality.