Iodine is one of the many essential minerals for our health, but it’s not one we hear about all that often. This is because it’s quite rare for anyone in North America to have an iodine deficiency. Most people don’t have to make a conscious effort to eat iodine because it’s in our table salt, and we Americans all get plenty of salt in our diet! Despite this, it’s still important to be aware of the dangers of an iodine deficiency or at least understand why this mineral is beneficial to our body. According to Dr. Axe, iodine is “responsible for regulating thyroid function, supporting a healthy metabolism, aiding in growth and development, and preventing certain chronic diseases like cancer.”
While most people get plenty of iodine in their diet, Healthline warns that about one-third of the population is actually at risk of an iodine deficiency. This is more common for people who live in European countries where there isn’t a lot of iodine in the soil. An iodine deficiency can be quite dangerous as it can result in the development of thyroid problems like a goiter which is the swelling of the thyroid gland or hypothyroidism “which can cause fatigue, muscle weakness and weight gain.”
To make sure that you’re getting the recommended amount of iodine in your daily diet, here’s a list of some of the best natural sources of iodine!
1. Eggs
The best thing about eggs is that they are so versatile. You can enjoy them on their own in so many different forms, with toast or in a burrito, as part of a bigger recipe, or even on a sandwich! The options are endless and it’s a good thing because we should all be eating eggs on a regular basis. Eggs are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, antioxidants, protein, and iodine! To top it all off, one egg has fewer than 100-calories, so one hard boiled egg would be a great light and guilt-free snack.
It’s important to note that much of the nutrients, including the iodine, come from the yolk. “Egg yolks are a good source of iodine because it is added to chicken feed. Yet since the content of iodine in chicken feed can vary, the amount found in eggs can also fluctuate,” writes Healthline. According to Dr. Axe, one large egg averages about 24-micrograms of iodine which is 16-percent of the daily recommended amount. So tomorrow morning when you’re wondering what to have for breakfast, don’t hesitate to whip up some eggs!
