The Health Benefits of Chromium

Before we delve into the health benefits of chromium, it is important to note that adding this supplement to your diet can be dangerous in some instances, so please consult your doctor first. Chromium is not a supplement everyone requires. Many middle-aged men in America are getting too much of this trace mineral, while women of the same age are likely just below the ideal level. We take in a lot of chromium through our diets, but it should be pointed out that there are two types of chromium:1) Trivalent (chromium 3+) is found in food and is “biologically active.”2) Hexavalent (chromium 6+) is considered toxic and unsafe for humans. You might already know this if you’re a fan of the movie Erin Brockovich might remind you of this.

Just A Quick Reminder, Consult Your Doctor

Ideally, adding chromium to your diet will come on the heels of a recommendation from your doctor. Often, he or she will suggest testing before prescribing a chromium supplement. Without a research-based consensus in the medical profession, hesitation to prescribe the supplement is common, especially given there are many foods that naturally contain chromium. A diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, and milk products should be enough for anyone seeking more of this mineral.

Boost Your Diabetes Fighting With Chromium

Your body needs glucose to create energy on a cellular level effectively. No matter your diet, you will still have some trace elements of fats, proteins, and even carbohydrates (even in a carbohydrate-free diet). Don’t be afraid of using brewer’s yeast over toast in order to boost your chromium levels with the hopes that by doing so, you may take in its (less than ideal) flavor on top of say an avocado toast or a number of other options available to you. If going this route, make sure that you’re well aware that you’re not adding flavor (not a good flavor) as much as food high in chromium.

Chromium V. Cholesterol

Bad cholesterol is just that, it’s bad. In this situation, we are speaking of lower levels of both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and overall total cholesterol. A number of studies have shown that those that have succumbed to and died from heart disease, often have a lower than average chromium level in their bloodstreams. Chromium helps the metabolism of fat including cholesterol and has been shown in the past to break down the bad cholesterol before it is absorbed by your stomach lining. From there, that same bad cholesterol makes its way into your blood vessels and arteries. While this taxes the body significantly, it also makes it more difficult for your body to fight myriad chronic diseases.

Healthy Brain, Healthy Body

No way to go about your day without a healthy brain and a healthy brain will most certainly help you each and every day. Chromium has a positive impact on your existing glucose levels and consequently your response to insulin which may have the added benefit of modulating brain function as you begin adding years to your once young body. This is by no means a guarantee that you won’t fall victim to senility or Alzheimer’s, but it’s not a bad start, and the first step is the most important. Aging and its effects on your brain could potentially steal your last years from you; perhaps some chromium-rich foods can claw a couple back for you.

Use More Stainless Steel And Nickel When Cooking

There are a tremendous amount of foods that you can quickly whip up in either of these pans that should concentrate the amount of chromium you are ingesting without having to do much more. If you were told that you simply needed to eat more, vegetables like green beans, potatoes, garlic, and broccoli along with grass-fed beef or turkey you would be well on your way.It’s tough not to make those all sound good together, no matter the mastery you have over your kitchen. Hell, throw in some red wine and you have a magical (culinary) mystery tour just waiting for you on the plate.

Better Skin Free Of Acne

Skin health is determined by a number of factors and one of these is indeed chromium. In addition to high chromium levels, your skin knows it needs the phytonutrients and antioxidants that come from basil, garlic and broccoli. Have some fun with them and see your skin begin to shine or simply slow the aging process.

Chromium Is Not The Only Trace Element Your Body Needs

Let’s not forget for a moment that the body needs more than just chromium. However, in remembering this simple fact, you’ll also run into a number of foods that are high in calcium as well as magnesium. This sort of trifecta in your diet can go a long way to reverse, or at least slow, the aging process. Bone density maintenance, cellular regeneration, and more for the active individual will surely help you recover from your daily or weekly exercise.

Keep Those Eyes Healthy

When the risk of lung cancer can be reduced by smokers by roughly 55% from the simple eating of carrots, no one is telling you it’s one or the other. In fact, try both. Glaucoma and its relationship to diabetes occur when there is an unnecessary build-up of fluid in the eye causing unnecessary pressure on the retina, lens and optic nerve. We know this can lead to blindness, so add a bit of chromium to your diet to reduce blood glucose levels.

Protect Those Bones With More Chromium

Chromium does have it’s an upside and it’s downside but at the same time, nearly every doctor agrees that chromium slows the loss of calcium which can lead to larger problems, especially in older women. Osteoporosis is a damned shame but having more calcium in your bloodstream isn’t going to hurt anyone.

Chromium Benefits The Liver

The liver is a dangerous animal. Unlike the kidney, we only get one. You can watch Grey’s Anatomy all you want but many who enjoy the (more than frequent) drink should pay extra attention here. Overall liver health involves more than simply avoiding alcohol, but alcohol consumption along with diet does indeed matter. I’m not sure why we mistakenly think that it’s the stomach’s job to reduce fat around and inside the liver. While it’s part of the “game”, it’s also helpful if your diet has less fat to cut through allowing you that extra serving of foie gras.