It is known that cabbage is a healthy and low-calorie vegetable that can be included in your diet. However, few people know that its excessive use, on the contrary, can lead to weight gain. Why is this happening?
What are strumogenic products
Strumogenic (the second name is goitrogenic) products are those products that affect the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland and contribute to its proliferation. This includes cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, turnips, radishes, radishes, rutabagas, turnips) and soy products (such as soy milk, tofu). In addition, some goitrogenic substances can be found in pine nuts, peanuts, millet, millet, spinach, strawberries, pears, peaches, corn, and even bamboo shoots.
The action of strumogens on the body
The use of such products in large quantities can provoke a violation of the synthesis of thyroxine - the thyroid hormone. And its lack leads to a slowdown in metabolism. Therefore, instead of losing weight on a long cabbage diet, a person, on the contrary, will begin to gain extra pounds.
Another negative symptom of the action of strumogens is the appearance of a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), which creates unpleasant sensations in the throat, makes it difficult to breathe and swallow. The inability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones leads to other undesirable consequences: the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases, cholesterol levels rise, swelling, joint pain appear, the skin becomes dry, and the hair becomes prone to loss. Among other things, depression and loss of strength are observed.
How to minimize harm to strumogen
How to protect yourself from strumogenic products? To do this, it is not at all necessary to completely remove them from the diet - in moderation (twice a week) they are very useful for the body. For example, crucifers contain vitamin C and help detoxify the liver. Quite a lot can also be said about the benefits of soy products - in particular, the use of tofu, which is popular in East Asian and vegetarian cuisines, can provide the body with a large amount of plant protein, which helps to repair tissues and strengthen bones.
Here are some ways to reduce the effects of goitrogenic foods:
- Eat cruciferous vegetables cooked, such as steamed, or at least blanch them.
- Include in the diet foods rich in iodine (sea fish, seafood, including algae - kelp, nori, kombu).
- Add selenium-rich foods to your menu. This mineral also prevents thyroid disease. Selenium is found in sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, meat, cheese.
Important! You don't have to worry too much about strumogenic foods as long as your thyroid function is not compromised. Properly cooked and consumed in moderation, these foods will not harm your health and shape at all.
