Chromium / CR
What Is It?
Chromium (from the Greek word ‘chroma’) is an essential mineral and is required in trace amounts by the body. It was first discovered in 1797 by French chemist Louis-Nicolas Vaquelin, but it was not until much later that Walter Mertz, a physician and research scientist discovered its key role in carbohydrate metabolism.
Why Do We Need It?
We need chromium to help control blood sugar and insulin levels, metabolise cholesterol and nucleic acids. We also need chromium for energy, to aid growth and help with weight loss.
The need for chromium increases during pregnancy.
Deficiency Symptoms
Deficiencies in chromium are rare but can result in fatty acids and cholesterol in the blood, blood sugar disorders - deficiency can also lead to anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance and an increased risk of arteriosclerosis.
Where Can We Find It?
If you are taking medication for diabetes please check with your GP before taking supplementation of chromium, as supplements may interfere with the drugs effectiveness
Chromium contained in our foods is lost during processing
High quantities of sugar can cause a loss of chromium in the body.
Excessive intake of chromium can lead to toxicity and has been associated with dermatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney and liver impairment.
Be-Aware
Apple, banana, basil, broccoli, blackstrap molasses, garlic, green beans, grapes, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, tomato,
Herbs that contain a good source of chromium are: catnip, horsetail, liquorice, nettle, oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam and yarrow
Research
Clinical studies have shown that elevated hair chromium may be associated with damage to cerebral arteries.
Clinical studies have also shown the supplementation may be beneficial in those suffering from diabetes.
Studies carried out by ‘Role of Chromium in Human Health and in Diabetes’ concluded, that chromium is an essential element involved in the action of insulin as demonstrated in the studies of chromium deficiency. Studies also suggest that tissue levels of chromium are reduced among diabetic individuals, especially in those with existing CVD, compared with healthy control subjects.
Two case-control studies have also found that lower toenail chromium levels predict risk of MI in apparently healthy subjects. However, further epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm these associations in different populations and clinical trials are needed to prove the causal relationship.
References
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Mervyn R Werbach
The world’s Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
Reader’s Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals DeMystified - Dr. Steve Blake
Dr Jensen’s Juicing Therapy - Dr Bernard Jensen
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.care.diabetesjournals.org
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.