Sulfur : a mineral with many benefits

Sulfur is a very important mineral for the body, it serves to synthesize two essential amino acids: methionine and cysteine. It is found mainly stored in bones, nails and hair. Sulfur is also very effective in disinfecting and fighting against skin disorders.

Characteristics of sulfur:

Participates in the health of integuments (hair and nails)
Allows synthesis of essential amino acids
Mostly found in meat products
Used to treat skin diseases
Part of the composition of repellents used in organic farming

Why consume foods high in sulfur?

Benefits of Sulfur

Health of the hair and nails

The keratin that makes up the hair and nails is itself composed of sulfur, so it is essential for good hair and nail health.

Promotes the assimilation of other minerals

There is a lot of sulfur in the bone, where it helps in the absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Structure of proteins

Sulfur is the basis of the synthesis of 2 essential amino acids: cysteine and methionine.

20 foods rich in sulfur

Kidneys
Liver
Pork
Chicken
Lamb
Salmon
Shrimp
Seashells
Oysters
Baked egg yolk
Garlic
Onion
Shallot
Sprouts
Lenses
Chickpeas
Cashew nuts
Sesame seeds
Pistachios
Pecan nuts

How to use sulfur properly?

Use of sulfur

The scientific literature has not established quantified needs, however, nutritional recommendations can be found from 13 mg to 14 mg of sulfur per kg per day.

Organic sulfur soap is often used to treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis or severe acne. Indeed, it is a sebo regulator, a very effective anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Similarly, a bath of sulfur against scabies is very often recommended to patients with this condition. For this, we use the sulfur flower powder for the skin. Be careful though, this is a product that can be quite aggressive, it is necessary to seek medical advice before using it.

Finally, liquid sulfur is used more in botany. Indeed, it is a repellent and a natural antifungal particularly effective for maintaining organic gardens.

Adverse effects of sulfur

Consequence of a sulfur deficiency

There are few scientific studies on sulfur deficiency, there has been reported stunting in hair and nails for people experiencing sulfur deficiency.

In excess is sulfur dangerous?

In the case of high consumption of sulfur, the excess is eliminated directly in the urine. It is therefore not a real danger for the body.

Interactions with other nutrients

Group B vitamins potentiate the bioavailability and assimilation of sulfur. Overall, we also consider that a diet rich in vitamins D, C, magnesium, zinc and manganese allows a better assimilation of sulfur in the body.

Chemical Properties

The chemical symbol of sulfur is S, the atom of sulfur carrying the atomic number 16. Its atomic mass is 32,065 u and its density of 2,07g / cm-3. It is a yellow metal belonging to the group of Chalogenes, it is insoluble in water.

Sulfur dioxide is a gas obtained by burning sulfur, in the water it is converted into sulfuric acid. It is an antioxidant used to stabilize wine.

Sulfur is also included in the composition of hydrogen sulphide, sulphates and petroleum.

History

Nutrient History

Sulfur is a metal known since ancient times. At the time already, it is used to ward off epidemics of vines. In the Bible, there are several references to sulfur.

Later in the war, it is frequently reduced to powder and burned to make the enemy flee. In fact, the smoke that emanates from it has a very strong odor and is irritating and toxic.

In the 11th century, sulfur was already used to make gunpowder in Asia. In the 15th century, it serves to disinfect the Black Death.

It is only in the 1800s that the role of sulfur in the body will be described more precisely. A.A. Vogel discovers traces of sulfur in the bile and blood of animals, he realizes that it is a constituent of two essential amino acids.

From the 1850s, it began to be used more and more often in botany as a repellent and antifungal. Even today, sulfur is used by organic farming. It is a very good alternative to chemical pesticides.