Iodine insufficiency is one of the main causes of preventable mental deficiency and negatively affects the person during their whole life, starting from their mother’s womb. Iodine is an important component that produces thyroid hormones that are needed for the development of the brain and nervous system and the maintenance of the body temperature and energy.
To prevent health problems due to iodine deficiency, normal table salts have been converted to salt with iodine. However, excess salt consumption can cause other health problems thus we can add other foods to our diet that include iodine.
The daily advised iodine intake for an adult is 150 mcg.
SEA FOODS: Fish (especially salt water fish) are rich in iodine and can be consumed as a source of iodine.
Tuna, haddock, cold water and deep water fish have a high amount of iodine. Shrimps and other shelled sea food can be used to prevent iodine insufficiency.
SALT WITH IODINE: To replace your daily table salt with iodine salt will cover your daily iodine requirement.
VEGETABLES: Spinach, soya beans, turnip, beet, courgette, baked beans and garlic are vegetables rich in iodine. These vegetables can also be consumed as a source of vitamin and antioxidants.
STRAWBERRY: Fruit are not usually a good source of iodine and only a few fruits contain iodine. Strawberries that are amongst the few fruits containing iodine can be added to the list of healthy foods due to its low calories and minerals. 6-7 strawberries a day cover 8% of the daily iodine intake.
YOGHURT MILK AND CHEESE: Milk and dairy products are rich in iodine. One bowl of yoghurt covers 60%; one cup of milk covers 40%, one egg covers 20% of the daily iodine intake.