Short Answer: Black beans are good for hypothyroidism in moderation, but not for iodine deficiency or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, growth, and development.
This can lead to various health problems, such as weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, and depression.
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, selenium, and zinc rich foods like cheese, eggs, seafood, and Brazil nuts, and avoid goitrogenic foods like soy, cruciferous vegetables, and millet, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Now, black 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 ingredient in dishes like burritos, tacos, or black bean burgers.
Black beans are good for hypothyroidism because they contain iron and antioxidants, which can support thyroid health and prevent oxidative stress.
However, they also contain goitrogens, which can inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.
Therefore, black beans may have different effects on different types of hypothyroidism.
One cup (172 grams) of cooked black beans can give you 29% of your daily iron needs, 30% of your daily fiber needs, and 15% of your daily zinc needs.
However, it can also give you 28% of your daily isoflavones, which are a type of goitrogen.
Iron can positively affect hypothyroidism by preventing iron deficiency anemia, which can worsen thyroid function and symptoms.
Antioxidants can positively affect hypothyroidism by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage the thyroid gland and impair its function.
Zinc can positively affect hypothyroidism by enhancing the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone T4 to the active thyroid hormone T3, which is responsible for most of the metabolic effects of thyroid hormones.
Isoflavones can negatively affect hypothyroidism by competing with iodine for the uptake by the thyroid gland, which can reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Isoflavones can also inhibit the activity of thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme that is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Furthermore, black beans are a type of legume, and legumes are generally good for hypothyroidism.
Because, they are rich in protein, which can help maintain muscle mass and metabolism, and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and support digestive health.
You can eat one to two servings of black beans per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort.
You can also reduce the goitrogenic effect of black beans by soaking, sprouting, or fermenting them before cooking, which can deactivate some of the isoflavones.
Also, you shouldn’t eat black beans if you have iodine deficiency or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which are the most common causes of hypothyroidism, to prevent further impairment of thyroid function.
Because, they can worsen the iodine deficiency and trigger the autoimmune response that damages the thyroid gland.
You can buy fresh or dried black beans in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic, non-GMO, and preservative-free black beans.
Because, they are healthier and safer for 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 thyroid function, well-being, and quality of life.