Nickel (nichel)

Pagina a cura di Spreca Grossi e Cernetti

Nickel is known to be an essential trace element for several species of animals. Experimental research shows that when chickens and rats are fed a diet that lacks nickel, they develop liver problems. If they are fed a normal diet, the symptoms do not appear. Animals are not the only ones that need this element to function properly. Bacteria use nickel to make special chemicals called enzymes. These enzymes are necessary for bacteria to function properly.

Though many scientists suspect that nickel is necessary for good human health, it has not been proven. People with certain liver and kidney diseases are known to have low levels of nickel in their bodies. Also, excess nickel in the body is associated with a high incidence of heart disease, thyroid disease and cancer. In both of these cases, the significance of the amount of nickel in the body is unknown. Some scientists think that nickel affects hormones, cell membranes and chemicals called enzymes. Whatever the case, nickel certainly appears to affect human health, even though we do not know exactly how.

Good sources of nickel include chocolate, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Meats are typically low in this interesting element.

Foods naturally high in nickel include chocolate, soy beans, nuts, and oatmeal

(http://www.eco-usa.net/toxics/nickel.shtml)