Short Answer: Beans are good for hypothyroidism in moderation and when cooked properly. Because they have iron and antioxidants that can support thyroid function and prevent oxidative stress, and goitrogens that can inhibit thyroid hormone production.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism and many other functions.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, depression, and infertility.
One of the key factors in managing hypothyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hypothyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hypothyroidism, you should consume iodine-rich foods like seafood, eggs, and dairy products, and selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and mushrooms.
You should avoid goitrogenic foods like soy, cruciferous vegetables, and cassava, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Now, beans are legumes that are high in protein, fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
People usually eat them cooked, either as a side dish, in salads, soups, or stews, or as a main course, such as in bean burgers, burritos, or hummus.
Beans are good for hypothyroidism because they contain iron and antioxidants, which can support thyroid function and prevent oxidative stress.
However, beans also contain goitrogens, which can inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.
Therefore, beans are good for hypothyroidism only in moderation and when cooked properly.
One cup (172 grams) of cooked beans can give you about 15 grams of protein (30% of your daily needs), 15 grams of fiber (60% of your daily needs), 3.6 milligrams of iron (20% of your daily needs), and 0.7 micrograms of selenium (1% of your daily needs).
Iron can help prevent anemia, which is common in people with hypothyroidism.
Antioxidants can help protect the thyroid gland from damage caused by free radicals.
Goitrogens can reduce the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland and block the enzyme that converts thyroid hormones.
Cooking beans can reduce the goitrogenic activity by up to 90%.
Furthermore, beans are a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for hypothyroidism.
Because, they can lower inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and reduce the risk of heart disease, which are all potential complications of hypothyroidism.
You can eat up to one cup of cooked beans per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beans if you have an iodine deficiency or a severe form of hypothyroidism, such as myxedema, to prevent further impairment of thyroid function.
Because, beans can worsen the symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels.
You can buy fresh or dried beans in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic beans that are free of pesticides and additives.
Because, they can be harmful to your thyroid and overall health.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing hypothyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hypothyroidism patients to follow a hypothyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.