Short Answer: Beans are good for hyperthyroidism because they have protein, fiber, and minerals, and they can help regulate your appetite, metabolism, cholesterol, blood sugar, bone health, blood production, muscle function, inflammation, and immune system.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the front of your neck.
In hyperthyroidism, your body produces too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up your metabolism and causes various symptoms.
This can lead to health problems such as irregular heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, and eye problems.
One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hyperthyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hyperthyroidism, you should consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, cruciferous vegetables, and fish, and avoid foods high in iodine, such as seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt.
Now, beans are the seeds of plants in the legume family, which are used as vegetables for human or animal food.
They can be cooked in many different ways, such as boiling, frying, and baking, and are used in many traditional dishes throughout the world.
Beans are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain protein, fiber, and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Protein and fiber can help you feel full and prevent overeating, which can help with weight management.
Iron, calcium, and magnesium can support your bone health, blood production, and muscle function, which can be affected by hyperthyroidism.
One cup 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), 4 milligrams of iron (22% of your daily needs), 80 milligrams of calcium (8% of your daily needs), and 120 milligrams of magnesium (30% of your daily needs).
Protein can positively affect hyperthyroidism by helping to regulate your appetite and metabolism.
Fiber can positively affect hyperthyroidism by lowering your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which can be elevated by hyperthyroidism.
Iron, calcium, and magnesium can positively affect hyperthyroidism by preventing or treating anemia, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness, which are common complications of hyperthyroidism.
Furthermore, beans are a low-glycemic food and a plant-based food.
Low-glycemic foods are good for hyperthyroidism because they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, which can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Plant-based foods are good for hyperthyroidism because they are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the autoimmune response that causes some cases of hyperthyroidism.
You can eat one to two cups of beans per day safely.
More than that can cause gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
You can also soak, sprout, or cook beans well to reduce their anti-nutrients, such as phytates and lectins, which can interfere with mineral absorption.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beans if you have a bean allergy or intolerance, to prevent allergic reactions or digestive issues.
Because beans contain goitrogens, which are substances that can interfere with thyroid hormone production, you should also consult your doctor before eating beans if you have severe or untreated hyperthyroidism.
You can buy fresh, dried, or canned beans in your local market or online.
Always choose beans that are whole, firm, and free of mold, insects, or damage.
Because beans can lose flavor and nutrients over time, you should also check the expiration date and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing hyperthyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hyperthyroidism patients to follow a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.