Chromium is an essential trace mineral that is required in small amounts, not really always in the limelight but plays a vital role in the fundamental functions of the body.
Know Your Nutrient:
- Chromium enhances the action of the hormone Insulin, which influences carbohydrate metabolism, thus plays an important role in the regulation of blood sugar and wades off the risk of Diabetes and PCOD. (Polycystic Ovary Disease)
- Chromium helps in decreasing triglycerides in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
- It is crucial for protein and fat metabolism and helps decrease hunger pangs thus helping in weight management.
- It helps in the regulation of gene expression thus also improves fertility.
Chromium is poorly absorbed (1-2%) regardless of the level of intake or body stores. Oxalates and Vitamin C increase, whereas Phytates and Antacids decrease absorption. High-intensity resistance exercises are known to increase urinary losses of chromium.
Deficiency of Chromium results in insulin resistance, impaired growth, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, impaired fertility, and corneal lesions.
Chromium friendly foods:
Whole Grains: barley, oats.
Vegetables and Fruits: broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, orange juice, grape juice.
Meat and Poultry: turkey, chicken, eggs, seafood.
Other foods: Brewer’s yeast, cheese.
The best diet, however, to optimize your Chromium status is one that is low in simple sugars and rich in natural foods. Chromium picolinate is the artificial form in which this trace mineral is supplemented.
Don’t be intimidated by this complex-sounding micronutrient, just keep your food choices simple and stay away from the bandwagon of processed foods…. that’s half the job done to get the best of this important Nutrient!
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