All you need to know about sulfur-rich foods

This is an automatically translated article.

Sulfur is one of the main elements in the atmosphere, becoming an integral part of many foods. What are the health benefits of sulfur-rich foods?

1. What is sulfur?

Sulfur, calcium and phosphorus are the three most abundant minerals in the human body. Sulfur plays an important role in important bodily functions such as:
Making proteins Regulating gene expression Building and repairing DNA Helps our body metabolize food Sulfur is also essential for creates and recycles glutathione - one of the body's main antioxidants that helps reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage caused by oxidation. Helps maintain the integrity of connective tissues such as skin, tendons and ligaments. Many foods and beverages, even water from some natural origin, contain sulfur. Some medications and supplements, including some antibiotics, pain relievers, and joint medications, also contain sulfur to varying degrees.

2. Sulfur-rich foods and beverages

Sulfur minerals are found in many different foods, foods rich in sulfur include:
Cattle and poultry: Especially beef, ham, chicken, turkey meat. , duck meat and offal such as heart, liver,... Fish and seafood: Most fish, as well as shrimp, scallops, mussels, are sulfur-rich foods. Legumes: Especially soybeans, black beans, kidney beans, peas and white beans contain high levels of sulfur. Nuts: Especially almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sesame are high in sulfur. Eggs and milk: whole eggs, cheese and cow's milk contain high levels of sulfur. Dried fruit: Especially dried peaches, apricots and figs are also sulfur-rich foods. Certain vegetables: Especially asparagus, broccoli, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks, onions, radishes, watercress. Certain grains: Especially pearl barley, oats, wheat, and flours made from these grains are all rich in sulfur. Certain beverages: Especially beer, cider, wine, coconut milk, grape juice and tomatoes, are high in sulfur. Condiments such as: Mustard, marmite, curry powder and ground ginger contain high levels of sulfur. Drinking water can also contain significant amounts of sulfur depending on where you live. This can be especially true if you draw water from the well.
In addition, sulfites are a sulfur-based food preservative commonly used in the packaging of foods such as jams, pickles, and dried fruits to prolong their shelf life. Sulfites can also grow naturally in fermented foods and beverages such as beer, wine, and cider.

3. What effect does sulfur have on health?

3.1. Health Benefits of Sulfur-rich foods Sulfur plays an important role in gene expression and in maintaining the integrity of body tissues. This mineral also helps metabolize food and protects your body from inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, sulfur-rich foods often contain a variety of other nutrients and healthful plant compounds. Cutting these foods out of your diet can make it harder to meet your daily nutritional needs.
Especially some sulfur-rich foods like garlic and cruciferous vegetables may also protect against diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, as well as loss of brain function related to age.
However, the use of sulfur-rich foods in the daily menu needs to be balanced. Because getting too much sulfur can cause a number of unhealthy effects.
3.2. The possible adverse effects of too much sulfur Although you may already be following a diet that contains enough sulfur is important for your health, getting too much of this mineral into your body is not enough. can cause some bad effects such as:
Diarrhea : Drinking water containing high sulfur content can cause loose stools and diarrhea. Having too much of this mineral in your drinking water can also give it an unpleasant taste and smell like rotten eggs. On the other hand, to date we have no strong evidence that eating large amounts of sulfur-rich foods will have a laxative effect. Inflammatory bowel disease: A diet rich in sulfur may worsen symptoms in people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. These are two inflammatory bowel diseases that cause chronic inflammation and ulcers in the intestines. New research shows that sulfur-rich foods can help a type of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) thrive in your gut. These bacteria release sulfide, a compound that is thought to disrupt the intestinal barrier and cause damage and inflammation. However, not all sulfur-rich foods can have the same effect. For example, while a diet high in sulfur from animal-based foods and low in fiber can increase levels of sulfate-reducing bacteria, a high-sulfur vegetable has the opposite effect. In addition, there are many factors other than sulfur content in food that can affect the balance of gut bacteria. Therefore, we still need to have more studies before drawing definitive conclusions.

3.3. Some people are sensitive to sulfites, a sulfur-based preservative. In the past, some people have said they feel better on a low-sulfur diet. However, current studies are limited on sulfur intolerance. Studies are focusing on the side effects of sulfites, a sulfur-based preservative added to some alcoholic beverages and packaged foods to prevent spoilage and prolong shelf life. .
About 1% of people who consume these foods are sensitive to sulfites and experience symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, nausea or asthma-like symptoms when exposed to foods rich in sulfites. In some cases can cause convulsions or anaphylaxis. People who are sensitive to sulfites should avoid foods that contain them. However, there is currently little evidence that these people also need to limit sulfur-rich foods. If you're a sulfite sensitive person, make sure to check food labels and avoid ingredients like: sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, and potassium metabisulfite.
In a nutshell sulfur is a mineral involved in many important processes in your body, including the creation and repair of DNA. That's why eating enough sulfur-rich foods is essential for your health.
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. examination and treatment at the Hospital.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com