Some studies have revealed that cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, kale, and spinach, may have negative side effects on thyroid health. Other findings have clarified that this can be avoided by not consuming raw cruciferous vegetables. Experts suggest boiling or steaming the vegetables, and that cooking them longer is better for your health. But what does this mean for people who consume vegetable juice?
According to Linda Kordich, the wife of Jay Kordich, the well-known health educator and the "Father of Juicing," the research needs to be reconsidered. The couple has more than 90 years of combined experience about health and wellness.
Linda shared that it's strange to hear that either cruciferous vegetables or goitrogenic foods must be cooked to avoid any negative side effects on your the thyroid.
The effect of cruciferous vegetables on the human body
In the 1960's, Dr. Garnett Chaney and Jay were part of a comprehensive study on cabbage juice and how it can help treat stomach ulcers. The pair worked with prisoners who had duodenal and peptic stomach ulcers. Data from the study showed that at least 90 percent of the ulcers were cured after the participants drank fresh cabbage juice daily for 60 to 90 days. The Lancet, a British journal, reported the results of this amazing study.
Dr. Norman Walker, a Master Teacher on juicing from the 1930's to the mid-1980's, advocated the consumption of fresh green juices made from cruciferous vegetables in his book, "Raw Vegetable Juices." Dr. Walker, who was also Jay's mentor, said that cruciferous greens are "better digested and consumed in juice form."
Linda shared that even though she and Jay often consume cruciferous vegetables, either in salads or through juices, it's easier to juice the greens than to eat the same amount of vegetables. She added that based on their experience, drinking broccoli juice allows them to consume a more concentrated and digestible form of the vegetable.
The couple regularly drinks at least three to four cups of vegetable juice daily, and they also combine the cruciferous vegetables with other ingredients like beets, carrots, celery, and cucumber. She reports that even after juicing spinach and other cruciferous greens for several decades, they haven't experienced any goiter abnormalities.
Linda shared that she and Jay don't consume salt infused with extra iodine, such as Morton salt. Instead, the couple uses highly mineralized salts like Celtic or Himalayan salts. Additionally, the couple consumes a lot of seaweed. Linda notes that seaweed also helps relieve her post-menopausal symptoms. This diet helps Linda and Jay naturally balance their intake of minerals, especially iodine.
Iodine, an essential mineral, is usually found in seafood. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones that can manage growth, repair damaged cells, and support a healthy metabolism. A goiter, which is a swelling in the front of the neck is a common symptom of an iodine deficiency. You can develop a goiter if your thyroid gland grows too big.
Tips for making and consuming vegetable juices
Linda and Jay warn that you shouldn't drink pure kale or broccoli juice straight. The couple recommends combining other greens or vegetables when juicing cruciferous greens. Doing this improves absorption and for concentrated benefits that target certain areas of the body. For example, malic acid from apples can help draw out calcium in other vegetables.
Linda added that even their Master Teachers, Dr. Max Gerson, John Lust, and Dr. Walker, never talked about the dangers of consuming broccoli, cauliflower, or kale juices. In fact, Linda's mentors believed that cruciferous vegetables have healing benefits for the breast area of the body. (Related: The endless health benefits of broccoli.)
While Linda believes that 100 years of experience in health and wellness can't be wrong about cruciferous vegetables, she and Jay acknowledge that they're not totally against research about cruciferous juices and their effect on thyroid function.
The couple only wishes to discuss the benefits of consuming green juices. Despite the existence of negative studies on food, Linda warns people to think twice before avoiding certain foods altogether, especially if they come with many health benefits. Wait until more studies discuss the same foods and their effects on the human body, and always check if studies are led by credible researchers.
If you're new to juicing, here's an easy recipe for a cancer-fighting vegetable juice. This "super juice combination" is formulated to prevent breast cancer and halt the formation of potential cancer cells in the body. It's also full of fiber, essential nutrients, and phytochemicals. However, you need to use a juicer because the recipe won't be as effective if you use a blender.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli
- 1 cup cauliflower
- 1 cup or 3 leaves kale
- 1 inch fresh ginger root
- 2 apples
- 8 carrots
Juice the ingredients, which will produce at least 24 to 2 ounces of delicious and nutritious juice.
You can learn more about the health benefits of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables at Veggie.news.
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