Your thyroid is a set of multiple glands that work to keep your body running smoothly. They deliver messages (hormones) between themselves and other body parts so that all of those tiny cells are regulated and functioning at the proper levels. The hormones produced by the thyroid (T3 and T4) are essential for life and have many effects on metabolism, growth and development.
Thyroid health is important, because if your thyroid isn’t functioning properly it can lead to developmental defects or weight gain. Food is our medicine, so consuming the proper foods will help support your thyroid to ensure it remains in tip top shape. Carrots contain ample amounts of beta-carotene which is the precursor for vitamin A in the body. If you are low on vitamin A, your ability to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is limited. This vitamin is required by the body to convert T4 to T3.
B-complex vitamins are required for good thyroid function. Cucumbers contain B vitamins, so they are a good choice when trying to nourish the thyroid glands. Without B vitamins the thyroid and adrenal glands fail to secrete their hormones, and won’t be able to utilize its iodine raw material efficiently to make hormones. B vitamins are especially useful in individuals with an overactive thyroid.
Ingredients:
– 1 cucumber
– 5 stalks celery
– 5 carrots
– 1 cup young thai coconut water
– 1 lemon
Juice the above ingredients, and add coconut water last.
Ingredients:
– 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, chopped
– 1 yellow pepper, chopped
– 2 cups vegetable stock
– 1 cup pasta shells, dry
– 1 cup cooked collards, chopped
– 1 dash of pepper
– 2 basil leaves, chopped
– 1 dash salt
– 1 tbsp rosemary
– 2 small carrots, chopped
– 1 sweet onion, chopped
– 1 cup squash, sliced
– 1 cup zucchini, chopped
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup white beans
Method:
1) Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and sweet onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
2) Add carrots and yellow pepper, cooking on medium-high heat until carrots are lightly tender.add zucchini, squash and rosemary and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3) Add collards and cover. Continue cooking and stirring until the greens become soft (approximately 7-10 minutes).
4) Add vegetable stock, water and cannellini beans, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
5) Add 1 or 2 cups of cooked pasta just before serving, garnish with fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– ½ cup large butter beans
– 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
– 2 large onions
– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1 dash pepper
– 2 dashes salt
– 3 medium carrots
– 1 tbsp celery leaf
Method:
1) Soak the beans the night before cooking.
2) Boil the beans, and when the water starts boiling, change the water.
3) Add carrots, celery leafs and tomato. Let the soup boil for about 2 hours.
4) Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
1) Put garlic, vegetables, thyme and broth into a large soup pot.
2) Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to a low simmer, partly covered, about 10 minutes.
3) Stir in parsley (or chives), season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice (optional).
4) Note: if you like thick soups, consider pureeing this recipe in the pot with a blender. There are many variations to this recipe, add or leave out the vegetables to suit your taste. You can save time by using frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones (though the texture of the soup might change a bit).
Green tea is produced by steaming fresh leaves, which results in a higher content of polyphenols like EGCG, which is a flavonol. Green tea is known to provide 10-40mg of polyphenols. Green tea also has antioxidant activity greater than a serving of spinach, broccoli, carrots or strawberries. Studies show green tea contains antioxidants, polyphenols, theanine, as well as a wide variety of vitamins and mineral. Due to all these properties, green tea benefits your body greatly.
So what are the benefits of drinking green tea?
Green Tea Restricts Blood Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol, one is “bad” cholesterol (LDL), and the other is good cholesterol (HDL). A heavy accumulation of LDL in tissues can lead to atherosclerosis. HDL prevents accumulation of excessive “bad” cholesterol. It is suggested that catechin in green tea restricts the excessive build up of cholesterol.
Green Tea Controls High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure puts an enormous burden on the vascular system and is known to cause heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Green tea is known for lowering blood pressure.
Green Tea Lowers Blood Sugar
Green tea has the capability of lowering blood sugar levels. Green tea given to diabetes patients caused a decrease in blood glucose levels.
Green Tea Suppresses Ageing
Oxygen plays a key role in metabolism, but can also be an unhealthful agent. As a free radical, oxygen in the body can corrode cell membranes, which will damage the DNA and the fats. This then leads to diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Lipid peroxide created by fats combined with oxygen tends to build up in the body and create ageing. Green tea is rich in vitamin E and C which promises longer life.
Green Tea Refreshes the Body
Green tea can stimulate the skeletal muscles and smooth the progress of muscular contractions. It also helps to clear the mind.
Green Tea Prevents Food Poisoning and Fights Viruses
Green tea is a powerful sterilising tool for all sorts of bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. The catechin and theaflavin found in green tea is believed to have a strong effect on the flu virus.
Green Tea Helps You Lose Weight
The EGCG found in green tea has the ability to increase the body’s heat production, which therefore increases metabolism.
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