Benefits Of Iodine
Iodine is one of the most essential trace elements that is required for the normal development of an individual. Approximately 60% of the total iodine content of the body is found in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is an important endocrine gland and the hormones secreted from the thyroid are responsible for controlling the body metabolism. Iodine plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and thus affects the rate of body metabolism. The health benefits of iodine include:

1.Controls the basal metabolic rates.
Thyroid gland secretes hormones like thyroxin and triodothyronine which are responsible for maintaining the basal metabolic rate of the body. Iodine promotes the secretion of these hormones and is thus directly involved in regulating the basic metabolic rate of the body.

2.Helps in providing optimum energy for various activities.
Iodine plays a vital role in providing energy for various physical activities. Sufficient quantity of iodine in the body helps in best possible utilization of calories, which otherwise would deposit in the form of excessive fats making the person obese.

3.Benefits to females.
Iodine is especially useful for the females. It helps in the growth, development and maturation of female reproductive organs. It is also an essential element for pregnant women. It checks and reduces the chances of neurocognitive conditions such as cretinism in new born children. Small children require sufficient quantities of iodine for their proper growth movement, speech and hearing abilities.

4.Takes care of hair, nails and teeth:
Iodine is an essential element that supports the maintenance of healthy hair, skin and teeth. Sufficient intake of this mineral prevents hair loss and supports the growth of hair.

5.Iodine helps treat cancer.
Iodine helps to prevent fatal diseases like cancer. Using iodine on patients suffering from this lethal disease results in shrinkage of cancer cells and is used for its treatment.

6.Removes toxic substances from the body.
The biochemical reactions taking place in the body result in the formation of several by products that are harmful for the system. Many such substances also enter the body through various other means. Iodine helps to flush out these toxins such as lead, mercury fluorides, etc. it thus helps to enhance the immunity of the body against many diseases.

7.Prevents the occurrence of Goitre.
Deficiency of iodine leads to diseases like Goitre. Intake of sufficient doses helps to treat and prevent this disease.

Iodine can be obtained from salt, eggs, dairy products and sea food. But one needs to be careful about the prescribed dosage of iodine as overdose may cause problems especially in pregnant women and people suffering from tuberculosis.

Benefits Of Iodine