Following calcium and phosphorus, sulfur is the third most common mineral found in the body. Besides, sulfur is more vital to the body’s health than other minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and iodine contributing many benefits including immune system strengthening, joint maintenance and fighting cardiovascular disease. If your body does not get the proper amount of sulfur, you may experience health problems. The best way to obtain sulfur is through food. Fortunately, many of the foods you already eat contain sulfur.
Benefits of Foods High in Sulfur
Sulfur is primarily found in our body’s proteins and its amino acids. But it is also in our bones, skin, and cells. Sulfur helps our cells use oxygen in energy production – a crucial function for all cell activity – and assists our immune system. Having enough sulfur in your diet is invaluable to your health and offers many benefits.
- Since sulfur is found in keratin, it gives strength to our hair, skin, and nails. It also aids in collagen synthesis. Collagen gives strength and elasticity to our connective tissue and skin and it is necessary for healthy, supple skin.
- Sulfur can help the body fight bacterial infections and aid in cleansing the body of toxins whilst increasing the resistance to bacteria as well.
- Sulfur guards the body against radiation, pollution, and the effects of aging. If you don’t get enough sulfur, your body’s defenses lower and your body it is more susceptible to disease and aging.
- German research shows the importance of eating foods high in sulfur to fight heart disease. Sulfur compounds found in food act as a natural blood thinner and can lower blood cholesterol. Sulfur also helps the body make taurine, an amino acid that is critical to maintaining a healthy heart. Studies show people with high levels of taurine have lower rates of heart disease death. Taurine helps fight high blood pressure and lowers cholesterol and speeds up the body’s healing process after a heart attack.
Foods High in Sulfur
Sulfur is found in all food that is protein-based, and no recommended dietary allowance has been established for its intake. But eating sulfur-rich foods will increase and amplify the benefits of this often overlooked nutrient. Eating whole food is the best way to get the nutritional value of a food, but supplements offer another option.
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Vegetables
|
Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and kohlrabi contain glucosinolates which are sulfur-containing nutrients. In addition, cruciferous vegetables offer other vitamins, nutrients and fibers that are important to your health. Other vegetables high in sulfur include collard greens, kale, bok choy, watercress, mustard, Brussels sprouts, split peas, tomatoes, sweet potato, jicama, turnips, avocados, parsley, spinach, and asparagus. |
| Garlic and Onions
|
Garlic, onions, leeks, chives, shallots are high in sulfur containing compounds that can prevent blood clots and lower cholesterol. The compounds – ally sulfide and sulfoxides – can also repair connective tissue and ease arthritis and respiratory allergies. |
| Meat and Legumes
|
Protein-based foods such as beef, chicken, and fish are an excellent source of sulfur. Vegans can use legumes like soybeans, lentils, and other dry beans to obtain sulfur. Since soybeans offer a range of other nutritional values in addition to sulfur, try substituting tofu for meat one or two times a week and snack on some of them when hungry. |
| Egg Yolks
|
Egg yolks can help your liver detoxify toxins, stimulate hair growth, and improve the appearance of your skin and fingernails. However, because of the high saturated fat content of egg yolks, it’s recommended to limit your intake to two to four yolks per week, especially those diagnose with heart disease. |
| Other Foods
|
Fruits like watermelon, pineapple, coconut, and bananas are high in sulfur. The high sulfur dairy foods are milk, cheese and sour cream. Some beverages such as tea, cocoa, and coffee also contain sulfur. |
Cautions
Some studies show that certain segments of the population -- most notable the elderly and economic disadvantaged -- are not getting enough sulfur in their diets. These segments of society may benefit from sulfur supplements, but it is always best to consult with your doctor before taking nutritional supplements.