Here are two lesser-known but essential reasons why iodine is important for a healthy body:
- Supports Cognitive Health: Beyond thyroid function, iodine is crucial for brain development and cognitive function. It plays a role in neurodevelopment, particularly in the fetal and early childhood stages. A deficiency in iodine during pregnancy or early life can lead to impaired cognitive abilities, decreased IQ, and developmental issues.
- Detoxification and Antioxidant Defense: Iodine helps detoxify the body by aiding in the removal of heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium. It also has antioxidant properties, helping protect cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals, which can lead to cellular aging and disease if not regulated.
Foods Rich in Iodine
Many of these sources are ideal even for a plant-based diet:
- Sea Vegetables: Seaweed (such as kelp, nori, and wakame) is one of the richest sources of iodine.
- Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese contain iodine, partly due to iodine in animal feed.
- Iodized Salt: One of the simplest ways to ensure adequate iodine intake.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Foods grown in iodine-rich soil, like cranberries, strawberries, and potatoes, contain small amounts.
- Seafood: Fish and shellfish, like cod, shrimp, and tuna, are good iodine sources for those who include seafood in their diet.
For a vegetarian or mostly plant-based approach, sea vegetables and iodized salt are particularly effective.