Sulfur is one of the main elements that is present in the environment, including water and soil and is a key element of many food products. The human body uses sulfur for several bodily functions like building and repairing DNA, safeguarding the cells against damage and also protecting our body from severe chronic illnesses such as cancer. Hence, it is essential to add an adequate number of sulfur-rich foods into your diet. In this article, we explore various foods rich in sulfur that you can add to your diet.
List of Foods Rich in Sulfur
Sulfur is one of the most vital dietary minerals that come in many forms in a variety of plant-based foods and non-protein foods. Listed below are foods high in sulfur include:
1. Eggs
Eggs are known to be a rich source of sulfur, rich in methionine- sulfur-containing amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which the body uses for regulating the immune system and metabolism of the body.
2. Cruciferous vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale are enriched with a sulfur compound named sulforaphane, which is linked to protecting the body against several types of cancer and DNA damage. These vegetables are high in fibre and low in carbohydrates, which keeps our body full for hours.
3. Garlic and onions
Garlic, onions, and other vegetables belonging to the allium family are also among the best sources of sulfur, which include sulfur in the form of sulfides, thiosulfates, and sulfoxides that are associated with benefits in cardiovascular health, bone health, blood sugar control, and detoxification and also in combating viral and bacterial infections.
4. Seafood
Crab, mussels, haddock, prawns, scallops and cod are animal-based sulfur-containing amino acid methionine sources. Apart from high amounts of sulfur, seafood comes packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals such as zinc that play an important role in carrying out biochemical reactions in the body, improving heart functions, and brain functions and lower the risk of suffering stroke, haemorrhage, and neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Legumes
Legumes like soybeans, lentils, kidney beans, split beans, white beans and peas come enriched with sulfur-containing amino acids that help to reduce the risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes and may help control glycemic and lipid profiles in diabetic people.
6. Dried nuts
One can consume dried nuts as a good source of dietary fibre, sulfur, potassium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Brazilian nuts are said to be the highest sulfur-containing nuts which deliver 44% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of methionine and 30% of cysteine, contributing to reducing the impact of oxidative stress on our body.
7. Milk and cheese
Milk contains sulfur in the form of cysteine and methionine in relatively lower amounts. Consuming milk and cheese in moderation may improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Cheese is known to be a good source of vitamin D while calcium, helps to improve bone mineral density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Conclusion
Allium, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, dried nuts and animal protein are foods rich in sulfur that can be clubbed together to prepare a variety of delectable and healthful dishes. So consuming those in the required amount can help to maintain bodily functions and reduce the risk of diseases like chronic infections, cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments. If you are currently dealing with a health issue, make sure you consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet. A good health insurance plan would be able to help with the financial burden of medical consultations and further testing if needed.