Chromium – what it is, benefits and its functions!

Chromium is a mineral that helps maintain blood glucose levels by enhancing the effects of insulin. Your body also needs chromium for healthy carbohydrates, protein and fat metabolism.

Best sources:

Rich sources of chromium include processed meats, broccoli , green beans , mushrooms and whole grains, cereals particularly bran. Refined grains have been shown to have lower chromium content than whole grains.

And, if you need another reason to choose whole grain products: foods high in simple sugars have been shown to cause chromium loss. If you are interested in determining the chromium content in your diet, you should know that it is difficult to measure chromium in foods, so information is not available for all foods.

It is likely that you will meet the recommended doses just by including foods rich in chromium in your diet, mainly because chromium is widespread (in small amounts) in our food system.

Disability :

Chromium deficiency has only been reported in a handful of individuals on tube or IV feedings that do not include chromium. Its signs and symptoms are unexplained weight loss, increased insulin requirements , glucose intolerance and abnormal nerve function.

Excess:

Because chromium is poorly absorbed, it is highly unlikely that excess intake from dietary or supplement sources will cause harmful effects. However, the National Institutes of Health note that chromium supplements have not yet been proven safe and effective, so stick to recommended doses.