As one of the natural minerals found in the body, chromium is considered to be important. but until today, the exact amount of chromium levels that one should have in their body has yet to be established. Chromium actually comes in two forms: chromium 3+ or trivalent, which can be obtained from foods; and chromium 6+ or hexavalent, which is considered to be the toxic form of this mineral. To function properly, your body requires a health amount of chromium 3+.

While chromium is highly effective in regulating pancreatic insulin and thus aids in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this important mineral also plays a part in regulating your body’s metabolism and the storage in your body of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Just how this occurs is still an avid subject of medical research, but a primary focus of such research is analyzing foods to determine their chromium content, discovering even more about the benefits of chromium, and addressing the issue of chromium supplements and their role in supplying our body’s need for an adequate amount of chromium.

- cup of broccoli = 11 mcgs - 1 cup of orange juice = 2 mcgs - 2 slices of whole grain bread = 2 mcgs - 3 oz of turkey breast = 2 mcgs - 1 tsp of dried garlic = 3 mcgs - 1 tblsp of dried basil = 2 mcgs - 1 cup of mashed potatoes = 3 mcgs - 5 oz of red wine = 1 to 13 mcgs - 1 medium sized banana = 1 mcg - cup of green beans = 1 mcg

- cup of broccoli = 11 mcgs - 1 cup of orange juice = 2 mcgs - 2 slices of whole grain bread = 2 mcgs - 3 oz of turkey breast = 2 mcgs - 1 tsp of dried garlic = 3 mcgs - 1 tblsp of dried basil = 2 mcgs - 1 cup of mashed potatoes = 3 mcgs - 5 oz of red wine = 1 to 13 mcgs - 1 medium-sized banana = 1 mcgs - cup of green beans = 1 mcgs

If you enjoy broccoli and red wine, this may be good news for you! But of course you’ll need to consult with your physician to determine the right amount of chromium intake for you, depending upon your age, general health, medications, weight, and body size. As you age, your chromium needs may change. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding may need as much as 30 mcgs each day. A safe all-around amount of chromium for an average adult is between 25 to 35 micrograms.

If your daily diet doesn’t supply you with enough chromium, you and your physician may consider using your use of a chromium supplement. You’ll generally be able to find a high-quality supplement either in a local health food store or, for additional convenience, from an online merchant that offers good discounts and free shipping for their products. Be sure to do a little homework to make sure your merchant is a reputable supplement dealer and the you’re receiving a quality chromium product.

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