Reasons why thyroid patients should eat mulberries
Plant compounds found in mulberries help support thyroid patients.
Mulberry is an antioxidant-rich fruit that is good for people experiencing thyroid problems. With high levels of vitamins and minerals, mulberries support the protection and improvement of endocrine function naturally.
1. Mulberry extract helps reduce oxidative stress
The thyroid is an endocrine organ that regulates energy metabolism and maintains the stability of organs in the body. However, because the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) is a chain of complex chemical reactions, if not controlled or subject to external influences, it can easily lead to oxidative stress, causing cell damage and serving as a precursor to autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Mulberries contain very high concentrations of antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds act as powerful free radical scavengers, helping to neutralize excess oxidative molecules in the thyroid follicles. Maintaining this balance helps protect thyroid parenchyma from damage and maintains the performance of the thyroid gland.
Experiments demonstrate that mulberry extract can regulate TSH, FT3, and FT4 secretion levels in experimental rats with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, adjust thyroid antibody levels in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and has the effect of reducing thyroid tissue damage. As a natural plant-derived ingredient, mulberry extract has the advantages of low toxicity and side effects, with gentle and long-lasting efficacy.
2. Optimizing iodine uptake thanks to resveratrol
One of the most notable active substances in mulberries is resveratrol. Medical data shows that resveratrol has the ability to stimulate the expression of transporters that allow thyroid cells to take up iodine from the blood to produce hormones.
When the iodine uptake process takes place smoothly, the thyroid gland will reduce the pressure of having to work overtime to compensate for the shortage of raw materials. In addition, resveratrol has also been studied for its ability to inhibit the abnormal proliferation of glandular epithelial cells, contributing to preventing the formation of benign or malignant thyroid nodules.
3. Providing iron to support metabolic enzymes
Among berries, mulberries rank top in terms of plant-based iron content. Iron not only plays a role in blood supplementation but is also a mandatory cofactor of the Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) enzyme. This is the key enzyme responsible for attaching iodine to thyroglobulin molecules to create hormones.
Iron deficiency (even if it has not yet caused anemia) can also reduce the activity of the TPO enzyme, leading to a decrease in hormone levels in the blood. Adding mulberries to the menu helps ensure a stable iron supply, supporting the biochemical reactions of the thyroid to occur accurately and fully. Additionally, mulberries contain a natural amount of potassium, which helps reduce fatigue and anemia - common symptoms in people with hypothyroidism.
4. Supporting weight control and reducing the burden of thyroid disease
Thyroid diseases (especially hypothyroidism) are often accompanied by metabolic disorders of sugar and lipids, making patients prone to weight gain and fatigue. Mulberries contain the compound 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which is capable of inhibiting the alpha-glucosidase enzyme in the intestine, thereby slowing down the absorption of sugar into the blood.
This mechanism does not directly affect hormones but supports the thyroid in managing body energy levels. When blood sugar levels are stable, the burden on the metabolic system is lightened, helping patients improve fatigue symptoms and control their weight better.
For thyroid patients who often suffer from metabolic disorders leading to weight gain, mulberries are a good alternative to overly sweet fruits. Furthermore, mulberries have long been used to treat insomnia and as a sedative. People with hyperthyroidism or thyroid tumors who frequently experience anxiety and rapid heart rate can use mulberry juice to soothe the nerves and help achieve deeper sleep.
5. Notes for safe mulberry use for thyroid patients
Despite bringing many benefits, adding mulberries to the diet of thyroid patients needs to follow these principles to ensure safety:
Ripe mulberries contain a certain amount of sugar. People experiencing blood sugar problems or hypothyroidism-induced weight gain should consume them in moderation (about 50 - 100 g/day).
Those using medication for diabetes or anticoagulants should consult a doctor because mulberries can increase the effects of these drug groups, causing excessive hypoglycemia or increasing the risk of bleeding.
Priority should be given to using fresh fruit or sugar-free pure juice to preserve temperature-sensitive vitamins. It is recommended to eat fresh fruit directly or drink mulberry leaf tea, at least 2 hours apart from taking medication.