How To Make Iodine From Black Walnuts?

Iodine, especially that found in black walnuts, is an essential mineral crucial for human thyroid and nervous system health.

Despite its importance, many people suffer from significant iodine deficiencies without realizing it until serious health problems arise. Therefore, this article will delve into how to extract iodine from black walnuts.

Do Black Walnuts Contain Iodine?

In addition to vitamins like B and E and lipids, black walnuts have hulls particularly rich in iodine. Various extraction methods have demonstrated that black walnut hulls can yield iodine levels up to 1634 mg/g of hull. This impressive concentration is derived from non-salt sources​ [1].

The black walnut (Juglans nigra) is thus particularly iodine-rich, commonly used in traditional medicine, and included in many diets for its high nutritional value and unique health benefits.

How To Make Iodine From Black Walnuts?

On the Internet, there are a few methods to obtain iodine from black walnuts, including the following basic steps:

1. Prepare about 300g of fresh black walnuts with their hulls.
2. Score the hulls with a knife and soak the walnuts in hot water (about 158°F) for 15-20 minutes to let the nutrients infuse the water.
3. Remove the walnuts and use the soaking water as a natural iodine supplement.

However, this method provides only relative effectiveness with a minimal iodine concentration and may even pose risks if contaminants remain on the walnut hulls.

A safer and more convenient option is to use pre-extracted products from supplement brands with a more concentrated and quality-assured iodine content.

Black Walnut Iodine Content

The iodine concentration in black walnuts varies, typically ranging from 1000-1600 mg/g, depending on growth, harvest, and storage conditions. An inconsistent extraction process may also reduce the iodine and other nutrients​.

In reality, while the iodine content in black walnut hulls provides a valuable natural supplement, it cannot replace primary sources like iodized salt but remains a beneficial addition, especially given that dietary iodine intake is not always adequately maintained.

Benefits Of Black Walnut Iodine

Supports Thyroid Function

Iodine is essential for thyroid health. Iodine deficiency can cause severe issues such as reduced thyroid function, stunted physical growth, decreased mobility, and conditions like hyperthyroidism or autoimmune thyroid diseases [2]. Thus, iodine is an irreplaceable nutrient for supporting thyroid function.

Supports Brain Development

Iodine is also vital for brain development. A study on fetal brain development indicated: “All extents of iodine deficiency (based on iodine intake (μg/d); mild 50–99, moderate 20–49, severe > 20) affect the thyroid function of the mother and neonate, and the mental development of the child.

The damage increases with the extent of the deficiency, with overt endemic cretinism as the severest consequence. This syndrome combines irreversible mental retardation, neurological damage, and thyroid failure” [3].

Boosts The Immune System

Research has shown that iodine supplementation leads to increased T-lymphocyte activity and cellular immunity. T-lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell in the lymphocyte family crucial to the immune system​ [4].

Therefore, iodine supplementation enhances the body’s immune defenses, enabling it to better combat harmful external factors.

Regulates Hormone Levels In The Body

Iodine supplementation is closely linked to hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which impact numerous bodily functions, including thyroid activity, metabolism, and physical health​ [5]. Thus, iodine supplementation to balance these hormones helps.

Reduces The Risk Of Thyroid Cancer

Animal studies have shown a significant increase in thyroid carcinoma following prolonged iodine deficiency, leading to excessive thyrotropin stimulation and possibly other growth factors​ [6]. Thus, adequate iodine intake clearly reduces the risk of thyroid cancer.

How To Use Black Walnuts To Absorb Iodine?

With the method suggested above, there are various ways to absorb iodine from black walnuts. DIY extraction is a spontaneous, handmade process but does not guarantee nutrient levels.

Therefore, you can supplement with black walnut tea made at home or, more conveniently, with dietary supplements available for online purchase. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for proper dosage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, black walnuts are an excellent natural iodine source, rich in iodine and other beneficial nutrients. However, to ensure quality and adequate intake, seek reliable supplement sources and combine them with a healthy diet and lifestyle. These factors will maximize the benefits of black walnuts!