Are Olives Good for Hyperthyroidism? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Olives are good for hyperthyroidism. Because they have oleic acid and vitamin E, which can reduce inflammation, protect the thyroid cells, and improve heart health.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck.

In hyperthyroidism, your body produces and releases too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up your metabolism and affects many functions of your body.

This can lead to various health problems, such as irregular heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, and osteoporosis.

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 vitamin D, and avoid foods high in iodine, such as seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt.

Now, olives are small fruits that grow on olive trees and are usually cured and preserved in brine, oil, or vinegar.

People usually eat them as snacks, appetizers, or ingredients in salads, sandwiches, and spreads.

Olives are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory and heart-protective effects.

Olives also contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your thyroid cells from oxidative stress.

Ten olives can give you about 59 calories, 0.8 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs, 1.6 grams of fiber, and 10.9 grams of fat, of which 7.7 grams are oleic acid.

They also provide some iron, copper, and calcium, but they are high in sodium due to the curing process.

Oleic acid can positively affect hyperthyroidism by reducing inflammation and improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are often elevated in this condition.

Vitamin E can also positively affect hyperthyroidism by protecting your thyroid cells from oxidative damage and enhancing your immune system.

Furthermore, olives are a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for hyperthyroidism.

Because, they can help lower your intake of animal products, which may contain hormones and antibiotics that can interfere with your thyroid function.

You can eat up to 10 olives per day safely.

More than that can cause excess sodium intake, which can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of dehydration and kidney problems.

Also, you shouldn’t eat olives if you have an allergy to them or to other members of the Oleaceae family, such as lilac, jasmine, and ash tree, to prevent anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

Because, olives contain proteins that can trigger an immune response in some people.

You can buy fresh olives in your local market or can order them online.

Always choose olives that are firm, plump, and free of bruises or mold.

Because, they indicate freshness and quality.

You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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.

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About the Author

Abdur Rahman Choudhury

Abdur Rahman Choudhury is a nutritionist in West Bengal, India, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry.

He has done his diploma in nutrition from Fabulous Body Inc (US), and completed various certification courses from several universities. He also has considerable research experience in PCOS.

Abdur currently lives in India and keeps fit by weight training and eating mainly home-cooked meals.

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