Here we are again, back for more health tips!  We are going to talk about the trace mineral chromium in this week’s Mineral Series.  It is not the most commonly talked about mineral but it is definitely important in supporting a healthy body!  Let’s dive right in…

Trace Mineral Chromium

This little known chemical element is a hard metal that our body needs in trace amounts in order to function properly.  This is why it is considered a trace mineral.  Small amounts of this element yield great benefits for blood sugar stabilization.  Here are the benefits that chromium provide for the body:

• Helps enhance the role of insulin in the body.  Insulin is the critical hormone that brings glucose into the cells for energy.
• Supports a healthy metabolism by distributing and increasing absorbency of nutrients like fats, carbohydrates and proteins more efficiently.
• Since it helps metabolize fats, like cholesterol, it can also support healthy cholesterol levels in the blood– helping increase heart health.
• Assists in healthy brain cognition.  Unstable insulin can contribute to poor brain health.
• May help improve skin from acne or other skin ailments that may be associated to improper insulin levels in the body.
• Can be beneficial to help prevent fractures or osteoporosis in bones since it can slow the loss of calcium in the bones.

Foods with Chromium

Food sources and levels of chromium will depend on the quality of soil it is grown in.  This is a common factor in the presence of all trace minerals in foods.  Here are a few possible sources:

• Broccoli
• Potatoes
• Grapes
• Garlic
• Basil
• Brewer’s Yeast

If you feel you are not getting enough Chromium in your diet you can try supple

Supplementing with Chromium

Eating foods with chromium is a great way to receive this nutrient.  Other minerals in the food will also help chromium absorb into the body more effectively.  However, supplementing can be an option as well.  If you are considering a natural alternative for blood sugar stabilization or diabetes support you can try:

• Nature’s Way Chromium Picolinate: Chromium picolinate is the mineral chromium attached to three molecules of picolinic acid. This is a common supplement form of chromium.
• Now Foods GTF Chromium: This is a biological active form of chelated Chromium known as Chromium Chelavite.  This form of chromium is also known as “Glucose Tolerance Factor” (GTF) because it is most similar to the form that was originally isolated from a food source.
• Now Foods Tri-Chromium:  This supplement has three different forms of Chromium to maximize its absorption.

Coupling with Chromium

• Calcium and Chromium:  As discussed above, chromium helps keep calcium in the bones.  Both elements help increase bone health.
• Cinnamon and Chromium:  Cinnamon is a great herb to assist in stabilizing the blood sugar, together these two work to help proper insulin balance in the body.
• Blood Sugar Formula:  This formula contains chromium, magnesium, gymnema, cinnamon as well as other nutrients that pair well together for blood sugar health.

Can you believe that a mineral can help with stabilizing blood sugar levels?  As you can see, minerals are essential for the body to function properly.  They are needed for various chemical reactions in the body that assist in hormone production, enzyme production, fluid balance, blood pressure regulation, and so much more!  We hope you are enjoying the Mineral Series and are learning about the necessity and importance of these minerals!  Next week we’ll talk about Magnesium and the crucial role it plays in the body! Until next week…

As always, do what you feel is best for YOUR body — if you aren’t sure, ask your doctor.  We are health ENTHUSIASTS not licensed practitioners.

Do you want to hear more about a particular supplement or health concern? Email us at hello@elitenutritionstore.com and we will feature it in our weekly ELITE HEALTH TIP TUESDAY!