So lets talk about Kale and thyroid health. Kale and other Collard greens have been receiving some negative attention recently despite their incredible health benefits. Collard greens are various loose leafed greens including : Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Chickweed, watercress, Kale, Cabbage, Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts. So what are the health benefits? Collard greens like Spinach and Kale are full of phytonutrients, which are known for their disease prevention, anti-cancer and General health properties. They can also help to control cholesterol and weight as they are low in calories and high in fibre, which is something that many people lack in their diet. On top of this, they contain calcium, vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants! They’re a powerhouse of nutrition. So why the bad press ? Kale is considered to be a goitrogenic food- meaning it contains substances (goitrogens) that could possibly lead to an enlarged thyroid. In fact many cruciferous vegetables contain thiocyanate, which can interfere with proper iodine nutrition. However - for these effects to occur, you would need to be consuming vast amounts of these vegetables on a daily basis. On top of that, the chances of someone already suffering from hypothyroidism actually worsening their condition due to consumption of Kale or other collard greens is likely very low. However juicing Kale is not a good idea, you remove all of the fibre from the vegetable and drastically reduce its health benefits by doing so. The exact amount of Kale that you would need to consume to out weight the benefits has not been adequately studied, however it’s safe to say that avoiding these foods completely is not advisable. Plus, this shake is delicious. I have it 2-3 times a week and my thyroid is recovering. You’re welcome.
