Sulfur, an essential nutrient for cell function, may not be at the top of the list of supplements, but it is one of the minerals that cannot live without it.Read on to learn how to boost vitality and metabolism by adding sulfur-rich foods to your diet
Sulfur is a natural non-metal mineral and is the tenth most abundant element in the universe. It is the third highest mineral concentration in the human body (after calcium and phosphorus) and is considered to be fundamentally important for human health. Although there is no recommended daily intake of sulfur (RDA), modern adults derive their dietary sulfur requirements primarily from the synthesis of proteins, especially the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine, cysteine, cystine, homocysteine, homocystine, and taurine. increase.
For individuals who only consume a low-protein or plant-based protein diet, it can be difficult to get enough sulfur from protein intake. If sufficient sulfur is not consumed or synthesized, conditions such as protein-energy malnutrition and joint disease can occur. It can also cause the accumulation of toxins in the body, which is the cause of many medical conditions.
Dietary Sulfur: Are You Enough?
Sulfur has not been extensively studied for its role in human nutrition, but this should not undermine the important role of sulfur in human health. Sulfur-containing compounds are found in all cells of the body and require adequate levels to maintain important cellular and intracellular processes.
The main function of sulfur in the body is the nourishing mitochondria, which produce the energy needed for cells to function properly and carry out metabolic processes. Sulfur is also needed to maintain intracellular nitrogen balance. This is another requirement for synthesizing proteins into body energy.
Sulfur helps build the collagen and connective tissue needed for healthy joints, keeping hair, skin and nails strong. Nonetheless, one of the most important functions of sulfur is the synthesis of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps treat substances with foreign substances in the body such as drugs, steroids, heavy metals and xenobiotic substances. is.
Sulfur also helps remove toxins by allowing blood to flow freely through the arteries and preventing stenosis of blood vessels due to plaque buildup. This is one of the reasons why sulfur is being considered as a preventative drug for atherosclerosis.
Vegetables rich in sulfur are the key to good health
Many foods contain sulfur. Specifically, compounds called organosulfur move from the soil to plants and then from those plants to the animals that eat them. However, due to the reality of the modern food chain, pesticides and depleted soil, it is possible that the diet does not get enough sulfur.
To ensure that you get all the health benefits of sulfur, focus on consuming about 3 cups of sulfur-rich vegetables per day, including those of the same species and Brassicaceae family. I recommend it.
Allergic vegetables belong to the family of allium flowering plants, which have a strong scent of onions and garlic and are rich in bulbs. Family names may be unfamiliar, but they are certainly familiar with members such as garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, and chives.
Brassicaceae vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, kale, algra, collard, garden cress, chingen greens, radish, cresson, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and similar green leafy vegetables.
Ingestion of both allergic and brassicaceae vegetables is associated with the health benefits investigated in a 2015 study published in the journal Food Chemistr.y y.. The study, entitled “The Contribution of Brassicaceae and Brassicaceae Vegetables to Dietary Sulfur Intake,” estimated sulfur intake from participants’ dietary diary and validated the results using dietary analysis.
Researchers have found that sulfur intake from Brassicaceae and Brassicaceae vegetables contributes up to 42% of total sulfur intake, and consumption of these foods is a significant proportion of the overall dietary sulfur requirement. Confirmed to provide.
As an additional incentive to include more of these foods in our daily diet, the intake of Brassicaceae and Brassicaceae vegetables is associated with providing cancer-preventing properties and protection against cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes And neurodegenerative diseases.
Other high sulfur foods
Other sulfur-rich foods contain most beans, and steamed soybeans (edamame) have the highest levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine.
Many fruits contain sulfur, with avocado at the top of the list, with peaches and raspberries gaining prestigious mention. Sulfur dioxide is used as a preservative in drying fruits, so if you’re not sensitive to sulfur dioxide, indulging in dry apricots, dates, figs, and prunes is another way to get sulfur into your diet. ..
Finally, grass-fed animal products tend to contain high levels of amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, resulting in the highest sulfur content in visceral meat. Chicken and quail eggs, especially egg yolks, are an excellent source of sulfur and are suitable for vegetarians. Sustainably captured crabs, red shrimp and scallops, like most nuts and seeds, are high in sulfur.
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