Nutrigold Blog Iodine - An Essential Trace Element

Iodine - An Essential Trace ElementIodine is an essential trace element that is present in almost every organ in your body. Consuming too little iodine can pose health challenges - and despite this - research suggests that nearly 50% of the adult population in developed nations consume insufficient amounts. Though it is best known for its role in supporting your thyroid gland and a healthy metabolism, iodine supports many other bodily functions.Benefits of IodineConversely, sufficient consumption of iodine brings many health benefits. Here are a few ways iodine supports your health on a daily basis.Support for Healthy MetabolismIodine affects the proper function of your thyroid gland by helping to produce hormones that are responsible for controlling your metabolic rate. Your metabolism affects everything in your body from the proper functioning of your organs, to nutrient absorption, to the conversion of usable energy in the body which regulates your sleep cycles. Research also shows that thyroid-generated hormones like thyroxine (T3 and T4) even support your cardiovascular system.Prenatal and Postnatal CareWomen who breastfeed their babies transfer iodine through their milk allowing the baby to have a source for themselves. Often times this can result in low iodine levels in mom if she isn't eating an iodine rich diet. In some cases a supplement may be needed to maintain healthy iodine levels while also allowing their babies to gain iodine from feeding. This is a key reason that the recommended daily intake for iodine by pregnant or breastfeeding women has climbed to 290 mcg per day, while the general female population bears a recommended daily intake of only 150 mcg per day.Support for a Healthy Brain and Cognitive FunctionA growing body of research suggests that iodine has a significant positive effect on developing and maintaining a healthy brain while also supporting ongoing cognitive function. This extends iodine's benefits far beyond prenatal and neonatal health.Healthy DetoxificationWhen you aren't getting enough iodine, your body may struggle to discard toxins. This is because iodine not only supports your body's metabolic rate and healthy body temperature, it also supports your skin's natural ability to eliminate toxins through sweat.Common Food Sources of IodineFortunately, iodine is abundant in many whole-food sources, including:Seafood (ocean fish, shellfish)SeaweedLima beansSoy beansChardSquashSpinachYogurt / DairyEggsIodine Supplementation - A Healthy Answer?Because iodine concentration present in soil varies by region, so too does the iodine content in most vegetarian options. To ensure you are getting enough iodine in your daily diet, supplementation could be your best bet.NutriGold's Iodine Gold features an organic, whole-food form of iodine from Hebridean Seaweed, a highly nutritious edible seaweed that is wild harvested from the pristine sea lochs of the Scottish Outer Hebridean Islands and proprietarily processed. Iodine Gold is manufactured in the USA to industry-defining quality standards, is USDA certified organic, Non-GMO Project verified, and is verified by independent third-party labs to meet identity, purity, and potency label claims.As with most of our incredible products, Iodine Gold is certified compliant with kosher and vegan standards, and free of gluten and other common allergens such as, egg, milk, peanut, shellfish by an independent 3rd party lab.Enjoy these tasty iodine-rich recipes!Green Smoothie (vegan/vegetarian)Ingredients:1/2 cup Seaweed, Kelp, or Spinach1 Organic Apple, sliced1/2 Organic Avocado1 cup Coconut Water(optional) 1/2 cup Organic Yogurt for an extra iodine boost!Directions: Combine the ingredients in a blender - and enjoy!Baked Cod with Lemon and Bay Leaves2 tablespoons lemon juice2 tablespoons dry white wine6 to 8 thin slices of lemon2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced2 1/2 pounds fresh filets of cod, scrod, halibut or other white-fishSalt and freshly ground white pepper1 cup tomato meat (one-half inch pieces, without seeds, drained)6 to 8 fresh bay leavesDirections: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a non-reactive baking dish place the lemon juice, wine, lemon slices, half of the chopped thyme, half of the chopped basil, and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Scatter the sliced garlic over top of the lemon-herb mixture. Season the fish filets on both sides with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Lay filets on top of the lemon slices and scatter the tomato meat over the filets. Top with the remaining chopped thyme and basil and then drizzle with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Arrange the bay leaves on top of the fish filets, cover dish with aluminum foil or lid, and bake until fish flakes apart easily (about 15 to 25 minutes depending on type of fish and thickness of filets). Serve immediately.