Chromium Supplements: The sources
As one of the natural minerals found in the body, chromium is considered to be important. but until today, the exact amount of chromium levels that one should have in their body has yet to be established. Chromium actually comes in two forms: chromium 3+ or trivalent, which can be obtained from foods; and chromium 6+ or hexavalent, which is considered to be the toxic form of this mineral. To function properly, your body requires a health amount of chromium 3+.
While chromium is highly effective in regulating pancreatic insulin and thus aids in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this important mineral also plays a part in regulating your body’s metabolism and the storage in your body of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Just how this occurs is still an avid subject of medical research, but a primary focus of such research is analyzing foods to determine their chromium content, discovering even more about the benefits of chromium, and addressing the issue of chromium supplements and their role in supplying our body’s need for an adequate amount of chromium.
- cup of broccoli = 11 mcgs
- 1 cup of orange juice = 2 mcgs
- 2 slices of whole grain bread = 2 mcgs
- 3 oz of turkey breast = 2 mcgs
- 1 tsp of dried garlic = 3 mcgs
- 1 tblsp of dried basil = 2 mcgs
- 1 cup of mashed potatoes = 3 mcgs
- 5 oz of red wine = 1 to 13 mcgs
- 1 medium sized banana = 1 mcg
- cup of green beans = 1 mcg
Broccoli and red wine lovers may find this list especially helpful! But it is unwise to over-indulge in either, of course. Foods that are high in sugar actually cause chromium depletion. Thus, people with type 2 diabetes should avoid sugary foods and instead consume food that is high in chromium because of its ability to regulate blood sugar (pancreatic insulin). Chromium also plays an essential role in regulating your metabolism and the storage of fat, carbohydrates and protein.
If you enjoy broccoli and red wine, this may be good news for you! But of course you’ll need to consult with your physician to determine the right amount of chromium intake for you, depending upon your age, general health, medications, weight, and body size. As you age, your chromium needs may change. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding may need as much as 30 mcgs each day. A safe all-around amount of chromium for an average adult is between 25 to 35 micrograms.
High-quality chromium supplements are available in your local pharmacy or health food store as well as from online vendors. If you buy locally, be sure to ask questions of the store staff to make sure you’re receiving a legitimate chromium supplement. Buying chromium online is especially convenient since you can do a little homework about the vendor through the “about chromium” section of the web site. You may also find better discounts from reliable, legitimate online vendors as well as free shipping with your order.
