Iodine is a nutrient that is highly important to the normal function of our metabolism. This one of the main substances that the body uses to make thyroid hormones, which in turn regulate many processes throughout the body, such as our ability to burn fat for energy.
Iodine is available from a large number of sources including sea fish and shellfish in particular. Other sources include cereals and grains, but this will vary greatly depending on just how much iodine is available in the soil. In this post, we’ll look at a more comprehensive 21 different ways you can get iodine from your diet. In doing so, you may be able to increase the rate of fat burning and help yourself to stay slim and energetic.
How much iodine do you need? Adults are recommended to try and get a seemingly very small 0.14mg of iodine each day. If you eat a normal, balanced diet then this should not be difficult to achieve. Note however that vegan vegetarians that do not eat fish might find this more difficult. Likewise, those suffering from hypothyroidism may be recommended to get as much as possible.
While this is all true, it is important not to go over the recommended daily limit. Consuming too much iodine can actually alter the way that your body produces thyroid hormones going forward. And too much thyroid wouldn’t be a positive thing even if it did work that way: just consider the effects of hyperthyroidism, which is a serious condition that is caused by that very thing and which can lead to insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity and rapid weight loss.
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best sources of iodine in your diet…
1. Milk
Milk is well known for its calcium content which makes it ideal for strengthening the bones. However, this isn’t the only reason to try and get more milk in your life, as it is also high in iodine. A single cup of milk will provide you with an impressive 56 micrograms of the mineral which is 37% of your DV.
There are other good reasons to drink milk too. Milk also happens to be an excellent source of protein, not to mention healthy saturated fats. It might also play a role in a range of other hormones and be able to increase testosterone and growth hormone when consumed in larger quantities prior to sleep.