Foods High in Iodine

Iodine is a mineral essential for the functioning of the thyroid gland in making the thyroid hormones.

"About 60 percent of the body's iodine content is kept in the thyroid gland, located in the neck, states the website Health24.com. "The gland uses the iodine to produce the two thyroid hormones (T3 or tri-iodothyronine and T4 or thyroxine) that regulate your body's metabolism, including the rate at which you burn calories, as well as the conversion of carotene to vitamin A, cholesterol synthesis, protein synthesis and carbohydrate absorption."

Iodine also plays a role in maintaining connective tissue, which comprises the tendons and ligaments, that hold tissue together. Iodine is also important for the physical and mental development of children.

Foods high in iodine include fish, garlic, onions, watercress, sea greens, Iceland moss, ager-ager, iodized salt, egg-yolk, kelp, fish liver oil, pineapple, artichoke and sorrel.