Short Answer: Beans are good for hypothyroidism in moderation. Because they have protein, fiber, iron, and other nutrients that can support your thyroid health and general well-being.
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, depression, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
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 seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, and millet.
Now, beans are the seeds of plants in the family Fabaceae, which are used as vegetables for human or animal food.
People usually cook beans in various ways, such as boiling, frying, and baking, and use them in many traditional dishes throughout the world.
Beans are good for hypothyroidism because they contain protein, fiber, iron, and other nutrients that can support your thyroid health and general well-being.
However, some beans also contain goitrogens, which are substances that can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Therefore, beans may have different effects on hypothyroidism depending on the type and amount of beans you consume.
One cup (172 grams) of cooked beans can give you about 15 grams of protein, 15 grams of fiber, 4 mg of iron, and other vitamins and minerals.
Protein can help your body make thyroid hormones and transport them to your cells.
Fiber can help lower your cholesterol levels, improve your blood sugar control, and prevent constipation, which are common issues for people with hypothyroidism.
Iron can help prevent anemia, which can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms and affect thyroid function.
Goitrogens can inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland, which is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.
Some beans, such as soybeans, lima beans, and kidney beans, have higher amounts of goitrogens than others.
However, cooking beans can reduce their goitrogenic activity and make them safer for people with hypothyroidism.
Furthermore, beans are a type of legume and legumes are good for hypothyroidism.
Because, they can provide plant-based protein, which can help balance your hormones and reduce inflammation.
You can eat beans in moderation as part of a hypothyroidism-friendly diet.
One to two servings of beans per day (about 1/2 to 1 cup cooked) can be beneficial for your thyroid health and overall well-being.
More than that can cause gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
Also, you shouldn’t eat beans if you have an allergy or intolerance to them, or if you have a thyroid condition that requires a low-iodine diet, such as thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism.
Eating beans may worsen your symptoms or interfere with your treatment.
Because, they can contain traces of iodine or goitrogens that can affect your thyroid function.
You can buy fresh, dried, or canned beans in your local market or order them online.
Always choose organic, non-GMO, and low-sodium beans if possible.
Because, they can have fewer pesticides, additives, and preservatives that can harm your health.
You can store dried beans in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year, and canned beans in a pantry for up to five years.
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.