IODINE AND OTHER TRACE ELEMENTS
Seafood in general is rich in
iodine , but
seaweed undoubtedly holds the prize. It is the richest food source of iodine, and this is particularly true for brown seaweed such as
Kombu Royal , Kombu , and
Wakame. If you want to boost your immune system, you can
order them online .
Although present in very small amounts in our bodies, iodine is an essential nutrient present in very small amounts in our bodies. It is a component of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, thyroid hormones. Its role is crucial for the immune system.
In the fetus and young children, thyroid hormones regulate the growth and development of most organs, particularly the brain and cell differentiation. At all ages, they also stimulate metabolism and oxygen consumption by tissues.
Seaweed is halfway between a
sea vegetable , a
food supplement , and even a
medicine. In fact, it regulates blood sugar levels and certain molecules (notably those of
kelp and
black seaweed ) are used in cancer treatments.
In addition, brown algae helps fight arthritis. Green algae (
marine spirulina and
sea lettuce ) are extremely rich in
iron ,
magnesium and
calcium , and help effectively fight fatigue. Green and red algae are very rich in
protein (30% to 53%) and
Vitamin B12. The queen of
Vitamin B12 is
Atlantic Nori with
11,258% of your daily intake for only 15 mg.
ROLES OF IODINE
What is iodine used for?
- To the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4);
- To regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins;
- To develop the nervous system;
- To promote normal heart function;
- To promote the development and functioning of muscles;
- To promote the growth and maturation of the skeleton;
- To stimulate lactation in breastfeeding women;
- To promote healthy skin, hair, nails, etc.;
- To promote gastrointestinal mobility;
- To regulate metabolism.
Iodine also has antiseptic and disinfectant properties.
IODINE REQUIREMENTS
A normal diet generally covers the daily requirement of iodine. But as the trend is to consume less and less salt, processed foods and animal products, it is therefore important to make sure to meet our recommended daily intake. It is suggested to eat 1g of
Kombu Royal ,
Kombu or
Wakame per day to meet our body's needs and stay healthy. If this source is natural and, moreover, certified organic, then it is even better for your health!
You can order all our seaweed through our
online store .
Recommended Dietary Allowance for Iodine (RDA):
* (AI)= Adequate intake in the case of these two age groups.
Source: ANREF
, Nutrient Reference Intakes, 2006, p. 320.
SOURCES OF IODINE
Most foods contain a small amount of iodine, which varies depending on the soil they are grown from, the type of irrigation, and the fertilizers used. Most foods have an iodine content ranging from 3 to 5 µg of iodine per serving. Some processed foods contain a large amount of iodine due to the addition of iodized salt, but this causes more health problems than it does solutions.
NOTE: Adding iodine to table salt is mandatory in Canada. However, it is recommended to consume less salt. So, you might as well replace salt with seaweed, whether to salt your dishes or to enhance their flavors.
Of all the algae families, the best food source by far remains brown algae, and more specifically
Kombu.
IODINE DEFICIENCIES
The most serious effect of iodine deficiency affects the developing brain. This condition is called "
cretinism." The consequences are irreversible and disastrous.
Signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency:
- Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland);
- Mental retardation;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Cretinism (neurological disorders caused by hypothyroidism in the fetus);
- Growth and development disorders.
ZINC AND SELENIUM: ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENTS
To produce thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland needs not only iodine, but also two other trace elements:
zinc and
selenium . These minerals are also present in our algae, but their respective quantities vary greatly from one species to another, hence the importance of diversifying one's diet. If the body is deficient in one of these three trace elements, it can result in a slowdown in thyroid function.
The algae richest in
zinc are:
Kelp (
61% per 15g),
Black Seaweed (
44% per 15g),
Marine Spirulina or green nori (
44% per 15g),
Sea Bacon (
39% per 15g),
Sea Lettuce (
33% per 15g),
Kombu (
28% per 15g).
The algae richest in
selenium are:
Royal Kombu (
188% per 15g),
Fisherman's Mix (
150% per 15g),
Wakame (
98% per 15g),
Atlantic Nori (
68% per 15g),
Black Seaweed (
36% per 15g),
Sea Lettuce (
26% per 15g).
You can order them online to boost your immune system.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
In healthy people, the amount of iodine needed for the body to function properly varies depending on diet, age, physiological state, physical activity and medications taken.
People in any of the following situations should monitor their iodine intake:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women;
- Menopausal women (hormonal upheaval);
- Vegans;
- Athletes (during excessive sweating);
- Infants;
- Teenagers (hormonal upheaval);
- The elderly;
- People living far from the sea;
- People on a salt-free diet;
- Vegetarians;
- Smokers (tobacco slows down the absorption of iodine by the body);
- People who consume large quantities of radish, cabbage and broccoli (goitrogenic foods);
- People taking certain medications (see the list in the interactions section).
NOTE: In industrialized countries, all newborns undergo screening in the hospital that measures their blood TSH levels to determine whether or not they have congenital hypothyroidism.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ask your pharmacist for information. They can help you make the right choice based on your health condition and the medications you are taking.
