Chromium can be found on the periodic table of elements and it’s a type of metal. But did you know that your body needs very small amounts of this metal in order for it to function optimally? You can get good amounts of chromium from a variety of foods, and you really should if you want to remain a healthy individual.

If you are interested to know more about the reasons why you need chromium and which foods you should eat in order to obtain it, read on. Don’t forget to share this article on your various social media accounts afterwards to also get your health-conscious family and friends acquainted with chromium!

Chromium is a popular type of metal with a number of industrial uses — from manufacturing steel to giving bicycle and car parts a shiny finish. However, that’s not the chromium that out bodies need because it’s actually toxic for human beings. Instead, what we can benefit from is another type of chromium that naturally exists in certain foods.

Such type of chromium is needed by our bodies in trace amounts only, which means that we do not really need a lot of it. If you have a healthy eating habit, then you’ll be glad to know that you are probably getting all the chromium warranted by your body. Being deficient in chromium is actually a very rare occurrence these days.

But despite of being present in many of the foods we eat, there are still chromium supplements available today. Clearly, they are intended for individuals who are deficient in chromium, as well as those with ailments or diseases that can benefit from added chromium supply, such as people who are obese or battling diabetes or high cholesterol.

Since there are risks to taking chromium supplements, especially when you overdose on them, it’s a good idea for you to let your doctor know about your plan on taking chromium supplements. But then again, you probably do not really need to take chromium capsules if your everyday diet is a well-balanced one:

Here are some of the reasons why it’s a good idea for you to obtain good amounts of chromium:

It regulates insulin activity

Earlier, it was mentioned that chromium is commonly recommended for people who have diabetes. It’s for the fact that this mineral is a role player in regulating blood sugar levels. With the help of chromium, hyperglycemia and its complications can be avoided.

It improves skin health

Especially if you are suffering from acne, you can benefit tremendously from chromium. Again, it has something to do with the ability of the said mineral to maintain normal levels of blood sugar. Studies have shown that having high sugar levels is linked to acne and other skin problems.

It lowers cholesterol

Supplying your body with good amounts of chromium can help lower your risk of heart disease as it assists in lowering bad cholesterol. Doctors say that many people who have died of heart attack and stroke actually had low chromium levels.

It promotes weight loss

Chromium is known to speed up the metabolic rate. Also, it seems to possess appetite-suppressing properties. It’s exactly due to these reasons why many people who are overweight take chromium supplements to assist them in attaining their dream figures.

Again, you can have your body supplied with the chromium it needs by making sure that your everyday diet is a well-balanced one. There are actually so many food sources of chromium, and adding them to your diet lets you obtain the perks of chromium mentioned above. Some of the foods rich in chromium are:

Shellfish such as oysters and mussels 

Meat like grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and turkey 

Apples, pears, bananas and oranges 

Broccoli 

Potatoes 

Herbs such as garlic and basil