Are you getting enough iodine?
As entrepreneurs, we constantly work to improve ourselves. From the way we work to the quality of our output, to how we grow and expand our businesses, everything requires continuous improvement. Intelligence is a huge piece of entrepreneurial success. But what if you could become more intelligent simply by eating foods rich in certain minerals?
In this article, I’ll tell you what that brain-boosting mineral is, where you can find it, and how it can potentially boost your IQ.
So What’s the Magic Element?
Drumroll please. Iodine.
The short answer is that iodine is a chemical element found in nature and in a wide variety of foods. More importantly, it is crucial for optimal health and plays a significant role in the function of your thyroid gland, that small but powerful gland located in the front of your neck.
The thyroid performs many vital functions. For example, it produces hormones and regulates how your body uses stored energy. In fact, it also plays a crucial role in your metabolism.
Does It Actually Boost Your IQ?
Research suggests it does. A study out of China shows a significant correlation between iodine exposure and IQ. Children in iodine-deficient areas showed significantly lower IQ scores than children born in iodine-rich areas.
Additionally, the National Bureau of Economic Research conducted its own study and found that when the US iodized salt, that decision dramatically boosted the country’s IQ. Specifically, men who grew up in iodine-deficient areas saw a significant increase in their IQ levels after iodine was added to table salt nationwide.
Taken together, many articles of research point to the same conclusion. Iodine has a measurable impact on cognitive function and overall intelligence.
Where to Find It
You can find many iodine-rich foods at your local supermarket. You may be surprised by how many common foods contain this brain-boosting element.
One of the richest sources is seaweed. Yes, that stuff that washes up on the beach. As it turns out, seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse. Specific types contain over 2000% of your daily recommended intake in just one gram.
Other iodine-rich foods include eggs (15% of your RDA per egg), prawns (25% of your RDA per 100-gram serving), yogurt (50% of your RDA per cup), cod (up to 60% of your RDA in 85 grams), and prunes (up to 10% of your RDA per five prunes).
The Bottom Line
The research clearly shows that iodine is crucial for cognitive function and can have a meaningful impact on your IQ. For entrepreneurs who make intelligent decisions every day, consuming proper amounts of iodine-rich foods is a simple but important part of a healthy diet.
There are many elements required to be a successful entrepreneur, and your diet is a significant part of that strategy. Especially since energy is what ultimately drives your results. To learn more about how you can incorporate nutrition into your daily routine, check out this previous blog post.
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