What Foods Are High in Sulfur?

Sulfur is an essential mineral that provides the body with many fundamental building blocks. It is important for healthy skin, hair and nails, among other benefits. You can obtain adequate sulfur from many foods that you probably already eat.

Identification

The letter S on the periodic table represents sulfur. It has the atomic number 16. Sulfur is a pale yellow nonmetallic element that is found in nature. Sulfur is third after calcium and phosphorus in abundance. Sulfur is the most important nutrient for the body. It is more important to the body's health than magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, sodium and iodine. Without sulfur the body will die; indeed, sulfur carries many benefits for a healthy body.

Benefits

Sulfur is found in every living cell. Molecules of sulfur form the amino acids methionine, cysteine and taurine. These amino acids or proteins are the building blocks for health. Sulfur is the driving force for energy to cells. It plays a major role in forming skin (holding skin and organs together), hair, nails and the cartilage that shapes the nose and cushions joints. It helps out in the digestion and absorption of fat, as it is needed to make bile acids. It is a constituent of bones, teeth and collagen (the protein in connective tissue). As a component of insulin, there is a need for sulfur in the regulation of blood sugar.

High Proten, High Sulfur

Foods that are high in protein are high in sulfur. Red meats, eggs and legumes (including carob) fall into the category of high sulfur foods that also are high in protein. Chicken, duck, nuts and seeds also are high in sulfur content.

Vegetables High in Sulfur

Knowing that many vegetables pack high sulfur content may motivate a newfound love for eating them. Vegetables that contain high amounts of sulfur include broccoli, cabbages, bok choy, mustard, watercress, asparagus, parsley, garlic, onions, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, chives, collard greens, green beans, kale, sweet potato, spinach, split peas, leeks, tomatoes, peas, shallots, jicama, avocados and turnips.

Other High-Sulfur Foods

Take a look in the kitchen and add these other high-sulfur foods into your healthy diet. High sulfur fruits include coconut, papaya, pineapple, banana and watermelon. Cheeses, tea and coffee, whey proteins, grains, peanuts, chocolate, cream, horseradish, sour cream, soy milk, soy cheese and tofu also have high sulfur content.