Goitrogens are substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland, and which can also cause an enlargement of the thyroid.

Certain foods have been identified as goitrogenic. These foods include:

• Soybeans (and soybean products such as tofu)
• Pine nuts
• Peanuts
• Millet
• Strawberries
• Peaches
• Spinach
• Radishes
• Vegetables in the genus Brassica
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Collard greens
  • Kai-lan (Chinese broccoli)
  • Kale
  • Kohlrabi
  • Mustard greens
  • Turnips
  • Rapeseed
  • Rapini
  • Rutabagas

Some foods and drinks have an opposite effect on the thyroid gland--that is, they stimulate thyroid function rather than suppressing it. These include those including caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate). It is also believed that avocado, coconut, and saturated fat can stimulate thyroid function.

External links

• Goitrogen page
• Goitrogen page from The World's Healthiest Foods site

See also

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Thyroid

Thyroid disease