In these times of sedentary lifestyle, stress, intense work schedules, environmental pollution and unhealthy dietary choices, certainly make staying fit and healthy a formidable task. That is the reason, people are always on the lookout for instant remedies, but little do they realise that these quickies often fail in the long run. If you want a more permanent approach to a healthier lifestyle, why not add certain super-foods that are rich in minerals. One such mineral that has immense benefits for overall well-being is Sulfur.
Also Read: Sulfur/Sulphur: Functions, Food Sources, Deficiency And Toxicity
The Manifold Benefits Of Sulfur
Sulfur is the third-most vital mineral that is present in abundance in the human body after calcium and phosphorus. It plays a significant role in carrying out numerous operations within the human body, like governing gene expression, synthesizing proteins, creating and mending DNA, and assisting the normal metabolic processes.
Sulfur is highly essential for shielding the body against cellular damage and oxidative stress, retaining nitrogen balance and boosting immune functions. It is also beneficial for assisting antioxidant synthesis, diminishing inflammation, and impeding the growth of harmful bacteria within the body.
Consuming sulfur foods and supplements alleviates arthritic pain and joint inflammation, boosts cardiac functioning, augments brain health, deals with skin problems, prevents liver anomalies and reduces the risk of different types of cancer.
Several studies suggest that foods rich in sulforaphane may have defensive effects against amyloid beta-induced oxidative damage that can render to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's.
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for methionine (the only approved form of sulfur) has been set at 14 mg per kg of body weight, or roughly 1000 mg per day. A depletion of sulfur in the body can often lead to health conditions like arthritis, convulsions, depression, gastrointestinal issues, brittle nails and hair, acne, eczema, itchy skin or scalp, migraine headaches, memory loss, rashes and even slow wound healing. But much to our respite, Mother Nature has bequeathed us with a bountiful supply of fresh fruits, veggies and other food options to naturally fulfil the daily intake of sulfur.
Foray through this infographic to find out about 5 such superfoods that are enriched in Sulfur.