Chrome element. Properties of chromium

Google Chrome is a free program for viewing websites on the Internet (browser). Fast, convenient, modern. Knows everything you need for comfortable work and relaxation online.

What's good about Chrome:

Opens any sites
Automatically translates web pages
Protects against viruses and phishing
Self-updating

Chrome is a program created by Google, which is known to be the coolest company in the world. A lot of money has been invested in this browser, the best minds have worked and are working on it, the program is constantly being improved.

How to install the program

Download the program file, open it, install. Chrome is installed only on the system drive (usually Local Drive C).

After installation, the browser opens and you can use it immediately.

Also, a program shortcut appears on the Desktop, that is, an icon that opens it.

How to use Google Chrome

To launch the program, you need to open the Google Chrome icon. It is usually located on the Desktop and looks like this:

You can also find this icon if you open Start - All Programs - Google Chrome.

This is what the browser looks like:

As you can see, everything is very minimalistic. At the top right there are three standard buttons - minimize, minimize to window/maximize, close:

On the left are open tabs. The active one shows the site that is currently open.

Also, the address of the currently open site (page) is shown below. This place is correctly called the "address bar".

To open a particular site, you need to type its address in this line and press the Enter button on the keyboard. For example, I type the address of our website and press Enter.

The site opens inside the program. If you need to open another site without closing this one, then add a tab. To do this, click on the small curly rectangle next to the open tab.

A new tab opens with an empty address bar.

In it we also type the address of the site that we want to open and press the Enter button on the keyboard.

By the way, the address bar can also be used as a search bar, because it is “connected” with the Google search engine.

That is, you can type your question in Russian. Search suggestions will appear. You can select one of them or select nothing - just press Enter.

Google search results will be loaded inside the program. That is, we are offered a choice of several sites on this topic.

To open any of them, you need to click on its title.

Back, forward, refresh

In each tab, next to the address bar (on the left), there are three buttons for managing content.

When you click on the first one, the browser will take you back one step. That is, to the site or site page that was opened in this tab before. Of course, provided that there was something open in the tab.

The adjacent button, on the contrary, will send you forward. This is possible if you have returned back at least once.

And the last button is needed to reload the page. For example, you opened a website, but for some reason it did not load. By clicking on this button you can reboot it, in other words, open it again.

Bookmarks

There is a special asterisk at the end of the address bar (on the right). It is needed in order to remember your favorite sites or individual pages of sites. This feature is called Bookmarks.

For example, I want to add this page to the browser so that I can open it again later. I click on the asterisk at the end of the address bar. The Add to Bookmarks window appears.

You can click on the “Done” button in it, or you don’t have to click it - the page will still be added to the browser’s memory.

Now, if you open a new tab, there will be a gray stripe immediately below the address bar. On it there will be a site or a site page that I remember.

That is, at any time I can open this page simply by clicking on it.

By the way, you can always remove it from this gray stripe. To do this, simply right-click on it and select “Delete” from the list that appears.

You can also find bookmarks added to Chrome by clicking on the button with three vertical stripes. It is located immediately after the address bar (far right) and is called “ Setting up and managing Google Chrome».

A list will open. If you hover over the “Bookmarks” item, an additional list will appear, at the bottom of which there will be all the bookmarks added to the browser.

If there are a lot of bookmarks, it makes sense to sort them into categories (folders). You can do this using the Bookmark Manager. It is located in the same place: the “Customize and manage Google Chrome” button - Bookmarks - Bookmark Manager.

Click on the “Arrange” button, add folders, and drag bookmarks into them.

As a result, the folders you created will appear on the bookmarks panel. Let me remind you that this panel is located immediately below the address bar when you open a new (empty) browser tab.

By clicking on a folder, a list with bookmarks folded into it will open. Very comfortably!

How to download files from the Internet

As you know, you can download various files on the Internet: documents, books, music, etc. Chrome, like all other browsers, can do this.

What does "download" mean? This means that some site has posted files that you can take for yourself. Or there are such files in your email box. Downloading them means saving them so that you can later open them on your computer without the Internet. That is, these will already be your files on your computer.

In the Google Chrome browser, this happens as follows: You click on a file that can be downloaded, and it is automatically saved to your computer.

This is what it looks like. Immediately after clicking on a file that can be downloaded, a gray arrow appears for one second. Thus, the browser reports that the process has started.

The downloaded file is placed at the bottom of the browser.

This part with loading and already downloaded files can be closed by clicking on the cross on the right side.

You can control the downloading of a particular file by right-clicking on it at the bottom of the browser (on the file downloading bar). Or in the Chrome settings: button “Setting up and managing Google Chrome” (at the end of the address bar) - Downloads.

Where to look for downloaded files on your computer. In the "Downloads" or "Downloads" folder.

Start - the name of your computer (the first top button on the right side) - “Download”.

How to delete history

All sites that you open in your browser are recorded in a separate place. Unlike “Bookmarks”, which you add yourself at will, this happens independently of you.

Chrome also remembers your downloads, photos and pictures that you looked at on the Internet, as well as passwords and data that you enter.

All this information is called “History” and it is available in any browser.

It turns out that anyone who uses your computer can find out your browser history. See what sites you visited, open your email or social network page, and access other personal information.

Moreover, in Chrome, part of the history is shown immediately when you open an empty tab.

All other sites you visited can be found here: “Customize and manage Google Chrome” button - History.

You can erase this information there, in History. For this there is a special button “Clear history...”.

A window with cleaning settings will open. Birds indicate what the browser offers to delete by default. You can customize it your way - remove or add birds. You can also specify how long to clear the history.

Important! By checking the “Passwords” option, Chrome will delete those logins and passwords that it has remembered. This means that you will not be able to automatically log into your personal services (email, pages on social networks, etc.). To restore access, you will need to enter your login and password for each service. Therefore, before deleting passwords, check whether you remember this data.

After you configure what you want to delete, click the “Clear history” button. The information will be deleted.

However, all bookmarks, settings, themes and extensions will remain.

Extensions, themes, applications

Extensions are all sorts of gadgets for the browser. They are built into Google Chrome and help the user solve certain tasks.

For example, using the Adblock Pro extension, the browser will automatically block annoying ads on websites. And with the help of various gadgets for VKontakte, you can significantly expand the capabilities of this social network.

All these extensions are free. Everyone decides for themselves whether to install them or not. They are easy to add to the browser and just as easy to remove. Most users do not use these gadgets at all, because they simply do not know about them.

In order to find and install an extension, you need to open the Google Online Store.

By the way, you can open it directly from the browser itself: the “Customize and manage Google Chrome” button - Tools - Extensions - More extensions (below).

On the left side there is something like a menu. There are only three items in it - Applications, Extensions, Themes - but each has a bunch of sub-items. Open “Extensions” and select what suits you.

By pointing at a particular extension, something like an announcement will appear with brief information about it. To open more detailed information, you need to click on it.

To install, click on the “Free” button and in the small window that appears, click on the “Add” button. You may have to wait a bit for it to load.

Installed extensions are automatically added to the browser. An icon for each typically appears at the end of the address bar.

To work with many extensions, you must be authorized, that is, logged into Chrome. This is done on a special page that will open when required.

You will need to provide the email address where you created your Google account and the password for this account.

If you do not have this data, you can get it for free by clicking on the “Create an account” link (under the login form).

To manage extensions (uninstall, disable/enable), you need to go to a special place in the browser: the “Customize and manage Google Chrome” button - Tools - Extensions.

The theme is the design of the browser: background image, color scheme. This is what Chrome looks like when you open a new tab.

Initially, Chrome's theme was standard - white and gray. But you can get a different design completely free of charge. Here are some examples of what a new tab looks like in different themes:

Selecting and installing a theme is the same as installing extensions. Opening the Google online store. You can do this through the “Customize and manage Google Chrome” button - Tools - Extensions - More extensions (below).

On the left side (in the menu) click “Themes” and select the appropriate design. To open detailed information about a topic, click on it. And to install it, click on the “Free” button and wait for it to download. After which the theme will be automatically installed.

Applications are programs that can be used directly in the browser.

Thanks to them, you can create documents, edit photos, listen to music, play games right in Chrome. There is no need to download or install anything on your computer.

The principle is the same as for extensions. We go to the Google online store.

You can get there through the “Customize and manage Google Chrome” button - Tools - Extensions - More extensions (below).

In the menu (on the left) click on the “Applications” item, select, install. Often you need to log in, that is, log into your account. If you do not do this, the application will not install.

One of the downsides is that most applications require high-speed Internet to work. At low speeds they will “crash” - glitch, not work.

How to open an installed application. Open a new tab and click on the “Applications” button under the address bar.

Chrome is a refractory, very hard metal with extraordinary resistance to corrosion. These unique qualities have ensured that it is in such high demand in industry and construction.

The consumer is most often familiar not with chrome products, but with objects coated with a thin layer of metal. The dazzling mirror shine of such a coating is attractive in itself, but it also has purely practical significance. Chrome is resistant to corrosion and can protect alloys and metals from rust.

And today we will answer questions about whether chromium is a metal or a non-metal, and if it is a metal, then what kind: black or non-ferrous, heavy or light. We will also tell you in what form chromium is found in nature, and what are the differences between chromium and other similar metals.

First, let's talk about what chromium looks like, what metals it contains, and what is special about such a substance. Chrome is a typical metal of a silvery-bluish color, heavy, superior in density, and also belongs to the category of refractory - its melting and boiling points are very high.

The element chromium is located in the secondary subgroup of group 6 in the 4th period. It is close in properties to molybdenum and tungsten, although it has noticeable differences. The latter most often exhibit only the highest oxidation state, while chromium exhibits valency two, three, and six. This means that the element forms many different compounds.

It was the compounds that gave the name to the element itself - from the Greek paint, color. The fact is that its salts and oxides are painted in a wide variety of bright colors.

This video will tell you what chrome is:

Features and differences compared to other metals

When studying metal, two properties of the substance aroused the greatest interest: hardness and refractoriness. Chromium is one of the hardest metals - it ranks fifth and is inferior to uranium, iridium, tungsten and beryllium. However, this quality turned out to be unclaimed, since the metal had properties that were more important for industry.

Chromium melts at 1907 C. It is inferior to tungsten or molybdenum in this indicator, but is still classified as a refractory substance. True, its melting point is greatly influenced by impurities.

Like many corrosion-resistant metals, chromium forms a thin and very dense oxide film in air. The latter covers the access of oxygen, nitrogen and moisture to the substance, which makes it invulnerable. The peculiarity is that it transfers this quality to its alloy with: in the presence of the element, the potential of the a-phase of iron increases and, as a result, the steel in air is also covered with a dense oxide film. This is the secret of stainless steel's durability.
Being a refractory substance, the metal also increases the melting point of the alloy. Heat-resistant and heat-resistant steels necessarily include a proportion of chromium, sometimes very large - up to 60%. The addition of both and chromium has an even stronger effect.
Chromium also forms alloys with its group mates – molybdenum and tungsten. They are used to coat parts where particularly high wear resistance under high temperature conditions is required.

The advantages and disadvantages of chromium are described below.

Chrome like metal (photo)

Advantages

Like any other substance, metal has its own advantages and disadvantages, and their combination determines its use.

The undoubted advantage of the substance is its corrosion resistance and the ability to transfer this property to its alloys. Chrome stainless steels are of great importance because they solved a number of problems in the construction of ships, submarines, building frames, and so on.
Corrosion resistance is ensured in another way - by covering the object with a thin layer of metal. The popularity of this method is very great; today there are at least a dozen methods of chrome plating under different conditions and to obtain different results.
The chrome layer creates a bright mirror shine, so chrome plating is used not only to protect the alloy from corrosion, but also to obtain an aesthetic appearance. Moreover, modern chrome plating methods make it possible to create a coating on any material - not only on metal, but also on plastic and ceramics.
Obtaining heat-resistant steel by adding chromium should also be considered an advantage of the substance. There are many areas where metal parts must operate at high temperatures, and iron itself does not have such resistance to stress at temperatures.
Of all refractory substances, it is the most resistant to acids and bases.
An advantage of the substance is its prevalence - 0.02% in the earth's crust, and a relatively simple method of extraction and production. Of course, it requires energy, but it cannot be compared with a complex one, for example.

Flaws

The disadvantages include qualities that do not allow full use of all the properties of chromium.

First of all, this is a strong dependence of physical, and not just chemical properties, on impurities. Even the melting point of the metal was difficult to establish, since in the presence of an insignificant fraction of nitrogen or carbon, the indicator changed noticeably.
Despite its higher electrical conductivity compared to chromium, chromium is used much less in electrical engineering and its cost is quite high. It is much more difficult to make anything from it: the high melting point and hardness significantly limit its use.
Pure chromium is a malleable metal, but when it contains impurities it becomes very hard. To obtain at least a relatively ductile metal, it has to be subjected to additional processing, which, of course, increases manufacturing costs.

Metal structure

The chromium crystal has a body-centered cubic lattice, a = 0.28845 nm. Above a temperature of 1830 C, a modification with a face-centered cubic lattice can be obtained.

At a temperature of +38 C, a second-order phase transition with an increase in volume is recorded. In this case, the crystal lattice of the substance does not change, but its magnetic properties become completely different. Up to this temperature – the Néel point – chromium exhibits the properties of an antiferromagnet, that is, it is a substance that is almost impossible to magnetize. Above the Néel point, the metal becomes a typical paramagnetic, that is, it exhibits magnetic properties in the presence of a magnetic field.

Properties and characteristics

Under normal conditions, the metal is quite inert - both due to the oxide film and simply by its nature. However, as the temperature rises, it reacts with simple substances, acids, and bases. Its compounds are very diverse and are used very widely. The physical characteristics of the metal, as mentioned, strongly depend on the amount of impurities. In practice, they deal with chromium with a purity of up to 99.5%. are:

melting temperature– 1907 C. This value serves as the boundary between refractory and ordinary substances;
boiling temperature– 2671 C;
Mohs hardness – 5;
electrical conductivity– 9 · 106 1/(Ohm m). In this indicator, chromium is second only to silver and gold;
resistivity–127 (Ohm mm2)/m;
thermal conductivity substance is 93.7 W/(m K);
specific heat–45 J/(g K).

The thermophysical characteristics of the substance are somewhat anomalous. At the Néel point, where the volume of the metal changes, the coefficient of its thermal expansion increases sharply and continues to grow with increasing temperature. Thermal conductivity also behaves anomalously - it drops at the Néel point and decreases when heated.

The element is one of the necessary: in the human body, chromium ions are participants in carbohydrate metabolism and the process of regulating insulin secretion. The daily dose is 50–200 mcg.

Chromium is non-toxic, although in the form of metal powder it can cause irritation to the mucous membranes. Its trivalent compounds are also relatively safe and are even used in the food and sports industries. But hexavalent ones are poisonous for humans and cause severe damage to the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.

Today we will talk about the production and price of chromium metal per kg later.

This video will show you if the coating is chrome:

Production

In a large number of different minerals - often accompanies and. However, its content is not sufficient to be of industrial importance. Only rocks that contain at least 40% of the element are promising, so there are few minerals suitable for mining, mainly chromium iron ore or chromite.

The mineral is extracted by mine and quarry methods, depending on the depth of occurrence. And since the ore initially contains a large proportion of metal, it is almost never enriched, which, accordingly, simplifies and reduces the cost of the production process.

About 70% of the mined metal is used to alloy steel. Moreover, it is often used not in its pure form, but in the form of ferrochrome. The latter can be obtained directly in a shaft electric furnace or a blast furnace - this is how carbon ferrochrome is obtained. If a compound with a low carbon content is required, the aluminothermic method is used.

This method produces both pure chromium and ferrochrome. To do this, a charge containing chromium iron ore, chromium oxide, sodium nitrate, etc. is loaded into the smelting shaft. The first portion, the ignition mixture, is set on fire, and the rest of the charge is loaded into the melt. At the end, flux - lime - is added to facilitate the extraction of chromium. Melting takes about 20 minutes. After some cooling, the shaft is tilted, the slag is released, returned to its original position and tilted again, now both chromium and slag are removed into the mold. After cooling, the resulting block is separated.
Another method is also used - metallothermic smelting. It is carried out in an electric furnace in a rotating shaft. The charge here is divided into 3 parts, each with a different composition. This method allows you to extract more chromium, but, most importantly, reduces consumption.
If it is necessary to obtain a chemically pure metal, they resort to a laboratory method: crystals are planted by electrolysis of chromate solutions.

The cost of chrome metal per 1 kg fluctuates noticeably, since it depends on the volume of rolled metal produced - the main consumer of the element. In January 2017, 1 ton of metal was valued at $7,655.

Application

Chrome plating

Chrome plating can be divided into 2 categories:

functional– its purpose is to prevent corrosion of the product. The layer thickness here is greater, so the chrome plating process takes longer - sometimes up to 24 hours. In addition to preventing rust, the chrome layer significantly increases the wear resistance of the part;
decorative– chrome creates a mirror-shiny surface. Car enthusiasts and motorcycle racers rarely turn down the opportunity to decorate their car with chrome parts. The decorative layer of the coating is much thinner - up to 0.0005 mm.

Chrome plating is actively used in modern construction and in the manufacture of furniture. Fittings with a mirror finish, bathroom and kitchen accessories, kitchen utensils, furniture parts - products with a chrome finish are extremely popular. And since, thanks to modern chrome plating methods, the coating can be created on literally any object, somewhat atypical methods of application have appeared. For example, chrome-plated plumbing cannot be classified as a trivial solution.

Chrome is a metal with very unusual properties, and its qualities are in demand in industry. For the most part, its alloys and compounds are of interest, which only increases the importance of the metal for the national economy.

The video below will tell you about removing chrome from metal:

If you conduct a social survey on the topic “what is chrome,” then almost 80% of young people will answer that it is an Internet browser; older people consider it a white metal. We would like you to know what chromium is, as a trace element that is important for the full functioning of your body.

Chromium is so important for our body that its lack provokes depression and high blood sugar levels.

Chromium is the element that makes blood sugar regulation. It is involved in the metabolism of fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Helps the pancreas produce and maintain normal insulin levels. In general, its main role is the regulation of enzymes.

If you have heard about the glucose tolerance factor (one of the mandatory tests for all pregnant women), then chromium is exactly the element that is included in the compound. It maintains the integrity of the RNA DNA structure. Among other things, chromium ensures normal heart function and the elasticity of blood vessels. Hence the conclusion that chromium is one of the elements, thanks to its normal level, a person has good resistance to stress, feels toned and full.

Daily intake of chromium

Important! With increased physical activity, severe stress, extensive burns or injuries, the daily intake of chromium should be increased to 200 mcg.

Chromium is excreted from the body daily:

With urine.
Later.
With feces.

If not enough

We have already decided that chromium is very important for our body. Deficiency leads to:

Chromium deficiency leads to many unpleasant conditions.

Increased sugar levels;
Frequent urination;
Increased feeling of thirst;
Feelings of fear, panic, anxiety;
Chronic fatigue syndrome;
Low fertilizing ability of sperm;
Disturbance of sleep rhythms.

Symptoms of chromium deficiency occur in both men and women. However, women are still more prone to attacks of fear and depression.

Causes of chromium deficiency

Unbalanced diet.
Excessive sugar consumption.
A large number of refined foods in the daily diet.
Pregnancy.
Long-term anesthesia for surgery (more than an hour).
High consumption.
Intestinal infections, enteritis of various etiologies.
Prolonged stress.
Chronic lack of sleep.
Alcohol abuse.
Injuries.
Aging.

Eat to live

If you have discovered signs of chromium deficiency, in order to confirm or, conversely, dispel your fears, you should do a large screening of the elemental composition of your nails or hair.

In case of chromium deficiency, consult your doctor about dietary adjustments. But, in any case, you should remember which foods contain the most chromium. The table below will help you with this.

Chromium content in 100 grams of products, mcg

Seafood, River fish		Animal products origin		Vegetables fruits
Tuna	90	Beef	32	Broccoli	22
Carp	55	Beef heart	31	Corn	22
crucian carp	54	Beef kidneys	31	Buryak	20
Pollock	54	Beef tongue	20	Peach	14
Flounder	53	Chicken breasts	20	Potato	10
Salmon	53	Chicken legs	19	Beans	10
Pink salmon	53	Pork	15	Peas	9
capelin	53	Goose	12	cucumbers	7
Carp	53	Rabbit	9		6
Shrimps	53	Duck	2	Cherry	6
Cod	53			Bulgarian pepper	6
Catfish	52

Obviously, seafood contains a lot of chromium. When creating a diet, make sure that your diet contains the average daily intake of zinc and iron, these two elements are chromium synergetics.

It is important to know that only 2% of chromium, which is part of the food consumed, is absorbed by the intestines and absorbed by the body.

Most often, people do not consume enough chromium-rich foods.

Four reasons to monitor your intake

Losing weight and maintaining a normal weight. Because chromium promotes good breakdown of fats and absorption of carbohydrates, and also maintains sugar levels, it prolongs the feeling of fullness. In addition, chromium helps to refrain from cravings for sweets.
Chromium helps the body absorb protein. As a result, the energy supply stabilizes in the intervals between meals.
Helps cope with headaches. Most often, a headache is a consequence of a jump in sugar levels, because... chromium controls this process, then if you consume the daily norm, such jumps are not scary for you.
Promotes regulation of fat and cholesterol. Which in turn has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and liver. Blood pressure returns to normal.

The role of chromium in the treatment of diseases

As a result of numerous pharmaceutical studies, it has been found that chromium plays a very important role in prevention and treatment.

In the life of modern society, the Internet is gaining popularity like an avalanche, and for most users it is extremely necessary. Through the network we communicate with each other, make purchases, send and receive various data. Surely everyone who has ever accessed the global network knows that this requires a special program - a browser. The browser is a kind of guide to the virtual world. Its task is to convert information from hypertext markup language (HTML) into a format familiar to humans.

There are a huge variety of browsers. They all differ in some way, for example, in speed, support for additional extensions and plugins, interface, level of security, and so on. Among the wide selection, the Google Chrome browser stands out. As you can guess from the name, its developer is a famous search giant.

Google Chrome has a multilingual interface (53 languages) and is distributed free of charge. There are versions for Linux, OS X, as well as for mobile operating systems iOS and Android. The browser is under active modernization, and developers regularly release new versions with a number of improvements and elimination of identified errors. The product is very popular all over the world, according to some data it occupies more than half of the market. Like most of its analogues, Google Chrome has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd.

Main features of Google Chrome

Multiprocess architecture. The program is designed so that each open tab or window is a separate process. Thanks to this isolation, tabs or windows do not interfere with each other’s work, that is, if one tab is frozen, there is no need to restart the entire application. This is also practical from a security point of view, because if an attacker gains remote access to any of the tabs, others will not be available to him.
Lots of extensions. An abundance of different plugins allows you to increase the efficiency and ease of use of the browser. This creates a lot of additional opportunities for ordinary users and web developers. Their installation is not difficult; extensions can be easily managed and, if necessary, activated or disabled.
Traffic savings and speed. Unique data compression technology ensures high page loading speed and saves traffic. This is especially true on mobile devices, where the amount of Internet traffic is often limited. To ensure high speed, the application is equipped with unique algorithms for reading JavaScript code and proactive DNS analysis.

High integration with services. Google has many different services, including Gmail email, Google Drive cloud storage, YouTube video content service and many others. If you use them through Google Chrome, then the user has access to more advanced options. For example, to upload a file to cloud storage, you just need to drag and drop it into Google Chrome, which is not available using other browsers. The browser can translate page text into different languages using Google Translate. Synchronization of bookmarks and credentials between devices is organized at a decent level.
Ease of use. The application combines elements of simplicity and functionality. Even a beginner can get along with its concise and intuitive interface. It is worth noting the ease of managing bookmarks; they can be grouped into folders and moved simply by dragging and dropping. If desired, the user can make the bookmarks bar more accessible by placing it under the address bar. The main element of the interface is the tab bar, it is located at the very top, above the address bar. Tabs are implemented in the form of neat shortcuts with the name of the loaded page. By simply moving it to the side, the tab can be opened in a new window. A distinctive element of the browser is the quick access page. It displays the most frequently visited sites in the form of tiles, and a little above the search bar. The Quick Access page appears when you open a new tab or window, and can also be used as your home page.

Security in Google Chrome

The level of security in the browser deserves special attention. Google has traditionally placed special emphasis on security. The application implements a system of blacklists for resources with virus threats; when attempting to visit them, the user receives notifications. For those who do not want to leave the history of the pages they visit, there is an “incognito” mode. In this mode, cookies are not even saved; only files downloaded by the user and added bookmarks will survive. Thanks to active support from the developers, new versions of the program are regularly released with the elimination of detected defects.

P.S. Google Chrome can be an excellent assistant for people with completely different needs, from ordinary users to advanced professionals. With its ease of use, broad functionality and deep integration with branded services, it has conquered millions of users around the world and is the leader in popularity among other analogues.

Video on the topic: “Features of the Google Chrome browser and security”

Chromium is one of the minerals required by the body in very small quantities. It is found in all living beings: humans, animals and plants. The amount of chromium required by humans and animals is very small and is measured in micrograms. Therefore, the mineral is called a trace element.

It is needed to maintain health and ensure the normal physiological functioning of body systems. It cannot be produced independently and must come from food or dietary supplements. Those who lead an active lifestyle should get enough of this mineral to maintain increased energy levels and maintain performance.

Chromium in the body and its importance

Chromium is a metal and its symbol is Cr. It occupies 24th place in the periodic table of Mendeleev. In nature, it is found mainly in the form of chromium iron ore, which is the most stable form.

Chromium was first discovered in the Urals in lead ore and is mentioned in the works of M.V. Lomonosov in 1763. At the end of 1797, it was isolated as a metal by the French chemist L. N. Volknen.

The predominant form found in the body is trivalent chromium (Cr3+).

The element also exists in another form: hexavalent (Cr6+). But such chromium, unlike trivalent chromium, is a toxic industrial product and is considered mutagenic.

Chromium, despite its small amount, is recognized as one of the most important minerals in the body.

It is a key element in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins and promotes muscle tone. It stimulates the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids necessary for the functioning of the brain and other processes.

This mineral is especially important for glucose metabolism and maintaining blood sugar balance, known as glucose tolerance factor. True, the mechanism of action is not yet completely clear to scientists.

However, it is thought to promote the uptake of cellular insulin by helping to move insulin across cell membranes. The ability to stimulate insulin absorption leads some scientists to suggest that chromium plays an anabolic role in the body.

Some studies have noted that it may prevent coronary artery disease.

For postmenopausal women, doctors may recommend a chromium-rich diet or supplements. It slows down calcium loss and may prevent osteoporosis.

The benefits of chromium for the human body

The benefits and effects of chromium on the human body were first discussed only in the late 1950s.

Initial research suggests that chromium supplementation may improve glucose tolerance in patients with Turner syndrome. This disease is associated with glucose intolerance, where cells are less sensitive to the action of insulin in transporting glucose across cell membranes.

The main functions of chromium include:

Helps control stable blood sugar levels in both diabetics and those with abnormally low blood sugar levels;

Enhances the action of insulin, which is needed for the metabolism and storage of protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as for the utilization of glucose and energy production;

Takes part in the metabolism of nucleic acids necessary for the construction of DNA;

Promotes the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids, which are necessary for normal brain function and many other processes in the human body;

Helps reduce high blood pressure.

Some chromium supplements may be helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol.

Chromium deficiency in the body: causes and symptoms

The amount of chromium in the body is very low and is defined as trace levels. But even with such a small value, most people experience a lack of it. Scientists say the main reasons for the deficiency are insufficient amounts of chromium in soil and water, as well as food processing methods that remove most of it.

The main symptoms of deficiency are:

Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, which affects insulin's ability to regulate blood sugar levels;

High blood sugar, which can lead to type 2 diabetes in older people;

Increased levels of insulin in the blood;

High cholesterol levels, which can cause an increased risk of heart disease;

High blood pressure.

However, serious deficiency is very rare. Its main symptom is weight loss or brain damage, which leads to inflammation of the brain or mild numbness, tingling and burning sensation in the arms and legs.

People with diabetes or heart disease, or who have experienced injury or severe stress may need a higher intake of chromium. Which in turn can lead to increased release of chromium from the body and an imbalance of blood sugar.

Calcium supplements, antacids, and some other medications that contain calcium carbonate can interfere with the absorption of chromium, which may also cause chromium deficiency in the body.

Older people are most vulnerable to chromium deficiency.

What foods contain chromium?

In many cases, most of the chromium in products is lost during refining. For example, chromium in whole grains is found primarily in the bran and germ. When grains are ground into flour, the bran and germ are removed, resulting in inevitable loss.

Trivalent chromium is found in a wide range of foods. However, most foods contain only small amounts (less than 2 micrograms per 100 grams). This can make it difficult to obtain adequate levels of this micronutrient.

The best source of chromium is brewer's yeast. But many people have difficulty digesting and absorbing them, which is accompanied by bloating and nausea.

Other good sources include:

Relatively good sources are:

Whole grain products;

Brown rice;

Meat (turkey, chicken, beef);

Egg yolks;

Green bean;

Fresh onions;

Broccoli;

Potato;

Green pepper;

Romaine lettuce;

Ripe tomatoes;

Grape;

Oranges;

Good sources can be wheat germ, basil, and some wines, especially red ones.

Chromium is present in trace amounts in other foods, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Up to 18 percent chromium can be present in canned foods stored in stainless steel jars. But this is a toxic form of this trace element.

Chromium supplements

Supplemental intake of vitamins and minerals is vital for the proper functioning of the entire body. They work synergistically, i.e. The effectiveness of any nutrient is required, and sometimes enhanced, by the presence of another. For this reason, it is always better to take a multivitamin that can provide the right balance of essential nutrients.

However, you should always remember that even the best complex will never replace proper balanced nutrition.

The most common chromium additive is chromium picolinate. Other vitamin supplements may include chromium chloride, nicotinate, and chromium citrate.

All of these dietary supplements are different from the trivalent chromium found in food. When taking them, you need to be careful and not exceed the recommended dose, which is 50-200 mcg per day, since chromium is toxic in high doses.

Fortunately, as mentioned above, chromium deficiency is very rare and usually does not require supplementation.

According to methodological recommendations MR 2.3.1.2432-08 norms of physiological needs for energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation, approved by Rospotrebnadzor in December 2008, the average consumption of chromium ranges from 25 to 160 mcg per day. The physiological requirement for adults is 50 mcg per day, and for children – 11-35 mcg.

The average daily intake for an adult should be in the range of 30-100 mcg. The document does not establish an upper maximum permissible limit.

AGE	NORMAL MCG/PER DAY
Infants 0 to 6 months	0,2
Infants 7 to 12 months	5,5
Children from 1 year to 3 years	11
Children from 4 to 8 years old	15
Girls from 9 to 13 years old	21
Boys from 9 to 13 years old	25
Women from 14 to 18 years old	24
Men from 14 to 18 years old	35
Women from 19 to 50 years old	25
Men from 19 to 50 years old	35
Women over 50 years old	20
Men over 50 years old	30
Pregnant women from 14 to 18 years old	29
Pregnant women from 19 to 50 years old	30
Breastfeeding women from 14 to 18 years old	44
Breastfeeding women from 19 to 50 years old	45

These are the minimum doses per day to prevent deficiency from developing. For therapeutic purposes, it can be increased depending on the disease, taking into account the toxic limit.

Metabolism of chromium in the body

When chromium enters the human body, only approximately 2 percent is absorbed. The rest is excreted in feces. A diet high in simple sugars increases its excretion in urine.

Absorbed chromium is stored in the liver, spleen, soft tissues and bones. Its absorption and absorption are influenced by vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, amino acids and magnesium, potassium, zinc.

Excess chromium in the body

Research by scientists has not revealed any side effects from high consumption of chromium. This may be why there is no upper permissible consumption limit established anywhere.

However, people with kidney or liver disease may be more vulnerable and should avoid consuming more than recommended amounts of chromium as a precaution.

Excess chromium can accumulate in tissues and reduce, rather than increase, the effectiveness of insulin.

An excess may be accompanied by:

Stomach irritation;

Rapid heartbeat;

Paleness or rash on the skin.

This is more often observed when taking dietary supplements with chromium. Cases of liver and kidney damage have been reported due to excessive consumption of chromium picolinate supplement. Other forms of chromium did not cause such problems. As a precaution, do not take chromium picolinate in very high doses or choose another form of supplement.

When the first signs of overdose appear, you should stop taking them.

Chromium may lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you are taking medications that lower insulin or glucose levels, consult your doctor before taking supplements with them. The dosage of the medication may need to be reduced to avoid low blood sugar levels.

When do you need extra chromium?

Chromium has long been of interest due to its possible links to various health conditions. Among the most active areas of research into the effects of chromium on the body is the possibility of supplementation with:

Intravenous feeding;

Type 2 diabetes;

Hypoglycemia;

Lipid metabolism disorders;

Losing weight.

Chromium deficiency impairs the body's ability to use glucose to meet its energy needs and increases insulin requirements. It has therefore been suggested that supplementation may help control type 2 diabetes and glucose and insulin response in individuals at high risk of developing the disease. Unfortunately, the results of many studies on this topic are still contradictory and do not provide an exact answer.

In some studies, chromium supplementation at a dose of 150-1000 mcg per day reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in patients with high cholesterol or atherosclerosis. However, other studies have not shown any beneficial effects. This may be due to the fact that scientists do not control diet, which affects blood lipid levels.

Some studies have shown that chromium supplements help with weight loss. But the results are not significant. It has been noted that taking biosupplements with this microelement reduces cravings for high-carbohydrate foods and regulates appetite.

To summarize, we can say that chromium is still important for the body and provides benefits. But its additional use must be agreed with the doctor. Of course, it is best to get it through diet, eating foods containing this element. No amount of supplementation can ever replace a balanced, healthy diet.