CHROMIUM

Promotes Glucose Tolerance

Chromium is present in traces in all organic minerals. 

Chromium is a greyish-white metallic element. Little is known about the chemical forms in which it occurs in individual foods.

Functions in the Body

Chromium plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar. It seems to increase the effectiveness of insulin, thereby facilitating the transport of glucose into the cells and not allowing the blood glucose levels to rise. It helps to take protein where it is needed and also aids in growth.

Source

The main food sources of chromium are betel leaves, areca nut, and nuts.

Deficiency Symptoms

A deficiency of chromium can cause impairment of glucose tolerance, which can lead to diabetes. It is also a suspected factor in arteriosclerosis. In some areas, protein-energy malnutrition appears to be associated with chromium deficiency.

Healing and Therapeutic Properties

Chromium has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. It also works as a preventive against diabetes. Studies have also found that chromium supplements control total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and raise the HDL (the good cholesterol). In some patients with impaired glucose tolerance, especially children with protein malnutrition, the tolerance to glucose has shown improvement after the patients have been given chromium supplements. It is also claimed that a chromium supplement can control the symptoms of epilepsy. 

Precautions :

Excessive intake of this mineral, however, can lead to occupational dermatitis (eczema) and lung cancer.