The Importance of Chromium

Chromium may be the stuff that shiny bumpers are made of, but it’s also an important mineral for optimal health. It’s important for proper metabolism and other body functions. Here are some of the ways that chromium helps promote health.

Chromium may prevent and/or reduce:

* Hypertension
* Food cravings
* Blood sugar swings
* Alzheimer’s disease
* Heart disease
* Cholesterol in the blood
* Hunger

Chromium is said to aid metabolism and help stabilize blood sugar. Because of its reputation for promoting the proper metabolizing of carbohydrates, chromium is particularly helpful in regulating the swings in blood sugar that can occur when carbs are consumed. It’s said to work with insulin, and help move glucose from the blood to within the cells.

Chromium is said to increase your heart rate, and to reduce the risk of heart disease – an only-too-common problem in modern society. Chromium has a reputation for protecting cells from damage, too, which might account for its possible ability to help ward off Alzheimer’s disease and boost memory.

Food cravings and excessive hunger may also be staved off by chromium. Thus, it may be helpful for those who wish to lose weight.

Signs of Deficiency

Some sources say that most Americans do not consume enough chromium in their diets. Interestingly, eating a lot of sugar can reduce the amount of chromium in the body. How do you know if you are not getting enough chromium? Here is a list of signs that you may be deficient:

* Sudden increase in anxiety, including increased heart rate and a light-headed feeling
* Suddenly feeling tired, lacking energy, or tiring out after light activity
* Mood swings
* Hair loss

Where to Get Your Chromium

It is possible to get too much chromium – experts warn of gastrointestinal ulcers, rashes, feelings of “giddiness,” and damage to vital organs like the kidneys and liver. If you want to avoid getting too much, try getting more chromium in your diet via foods high in this mineral. Foods that have a lot of chromium include:

* Whole grains
* Processed meats
* Dairy products
* Tea
* Brewer’s yeast
* Black pepper
* Mushrooms
* Broccoli
* Coffee

You can also take chromium supplements; you’ll find chromium picolinate, nictitate, or citrate. Some sources say that chromium picolinate is the best form of chromium to take. Chromium does not have an established recommended daily allowance, so it’s measured in “Adequate Intake,” or AI. The AI of chromium for adults aged 19-50 is 35 mcg per day for males and 25 mcg for females. For adults over 50, the AI is 30 mcg for males and 20 mcg for females.

Another interesting way to obtain chromium is by cooking and storing foods in stainless steel pots, pans, and containers. Stainless steel is a metal that contains chromium, some of which makes its way into your food.