Sulfur refers to trace elements, the deficiency of which negatively affects many processes in the body. To maintain the required supply of this vital substance, it is necessary to consume foods rich in sulfur on a daily basis.
What is sulfur for?
Many life support processes depend on the body's sulfur balance. It is one of the five most important bioelements on planet Earth. Sulfur is part of all proteins, without exception. Thanks to this macronutrient, the skin, hair and nails retain their good appearance. Sulfur is involved in the metabolic process, has an anti-allergic effect, improves the functioning of the nervous system, increases human immunity, controls blood coagulation processes, as well as the absorption and synthesis of B vitamins, extinguishes foci of inflammation, reduces joint, muscle pain and cramps, and neutralizes toxins. With its participation, the synthesis of important amino acids is produced and insulin is produced.
An adult needs to consume at least 500-1200 mg of sulfur daily. The daily allowance for children is 30-40% less. Athletes and people who need to increase body weight require up to 3000 mg of sulfur. Sulfur deficiency in the body is extremely rare. It usually manifests itself as a deterioration in the condition of the hair and nails. The skin becomes dull and gray, and blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels rise. There is tachycardia and hypertension, the person suffers from joint pain. In the most severe cases of serodeficiency, fatty degeneration of the liver, hemorrhages in the kidneys, severe disorders of the nervous system and protein metabolism occur.
As a rule, sulfur deficiency can be compensated for with a balanced diet; it does not require the use of special medications.
Products containing sulfur
Sulfur predominates in protein products, i.e. in animal products. Therefore, sulfur deficiency most often occurs in vegetarians who eat only plant-based foods. The leader in sulfur content is beef (230 mg / 100 g). More than 200 mg per 100 g of the product is contained in sea fish: chum salmon, horse mackerel, sea bass, cod. From chicken meat, you can get 180-184 mg of sulfur per 100 g of the product. Rich in sulfur and chicken eggs - 177 mg / 100 g. Dairy products with a high sulfur content include ice cream (37 mg / 100 g), milk (28 mg / 100 g) and hard cheeses such as Dutch (25 mg / 100 g).
Vegetable products are also sources of sulfur. With a sulfur deficiency, it is worth diversifying the diet with oat and buckwheat groats, legumes, onions and garlic, gooseberries, grapes, all types of cabbage, apples, bread and spicy herbal spices such as mustard and horseradish.
