Chromium - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

The Chromium mineral is one of the families of trace minerals. For the human body it is needs in a small amount. Chromium is an essential mineral that is required in the maintenance of our health. Chromium is referred to as the master regulator of insulin, a potent metabolic hormone involved in protein, carbohydrates and fat metabolism. Because chromium concentrations in most foods are far too low to have much of an effect on blood sugar, health practitioners typically recommend that people augment their diets with mineral supplements. However, two new studies indicate that the quantity of chromium in any supplement may not be nearly as important as the mineral's chemical form.

Weight loss is promoted when chromium is taken as the insulin regulation promotes T3. It is (promotes T3) the thyroid hormone that increases the rate of the body's ability to burn calories, and serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls the appetite and curbs cravings for sugar.

Uses and Benefits of Chromium

1. The Chromium mineral is very important for human body. It must have for the body to function properly. In the human body, it is stored in the blood and also in the hair.
2. Chromium is responsible for stimulating the activity of insulin inside the body. When insulin is activated, it is then able to assist in the process of metabolizing sugars.
3. It also helps improve glucose in elderly people when loss comes as natural result of aging.
4. It also helps to control the blood's cholesterol levels in the body.
5. Chromium also helps control fat levels.It is for these reasons that chromium is being studied for its role in reducing heart-related conditions.

Deficiency Symptoms of Chromium

Pregnancy and excessive uses of alcohol are two important factors that can cause a person to develop a chromium deficiency. When this does occur, the symptoms include a need to urinate frequently, hypoglycemic-like symptoms, a thirst that cannot be quenched, nervousness and an inability to tolerate alcohol. Other symptom of deficiency is frequent passing of urine.

If you have been a regular follower of fad diets, regular fasting, single food diets, yo-yo dieting or diet/weight loss pills, you may already be deficient in vitamins and minerals. This may be why you find it difficult to lose weight, or sustain weight loss in the long term.

Recommended Dosage of Chromium

Although there is no official RDA but according to US Guidelines say 50-200 IU daily is a safe, adequate range.

Rich Food Sources of Chromium

Chromium is found in egg yolks, molasses, brewer's yeast, beef, hard cheese, liver, fruit juices and whole wheat bread. It may also be found in dried beans, blackstrap molasses, calf liver, chicken, corn and corn oil, dairy products. Herbs like catnip, horsetail, licorice, and nettle also have chromium in good quantity.