Is Moringa (Drumstick) Safe To Eat For Thyroid Patients?

Moringa is a plant native to the Indian subcontinent. It is grown as a vegetable and an ingredient in traditional medicines. It is referred to as a ‘drumstick tree’ due to the shape of its seed pods.

Moringa has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, heart-protective, and digestive benefits. Some studies claim it is also anti-cancer and protects the liver, bones, joints, and brain. However, the most controversial is its action on thyroid functioning.

In this article, we will look at what science says about moringa's thyroid-protective benefits.

Thyroid Function

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate (energy generation), growth, and development. It helps in heart action, bone health, digestion, brain development, and muscle activity.

When your thyroid is underactive, it is called hypothyroid. Exhibit 1 below shows some symptoms of hypothyroidism. The opposite of this is called overactive or hyperthyroid.

Nutrients in Moringa

Moringa leaves are the most nutritious followed by seed pods (drumsticks), both of which have many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compounds.

Moringa and Thyroid Function

Some studies show that moringa consumption can lead to hypothyroidism. Some other studies indicate that moringa can improve symptoms of hypothyroidism, especially in people with damaged thyroid due to surgery or radiation (cancer treatment).

In other words, it is not clear whether moringa helps or harms in thyroid problems.

In my view, when in doubt, one should stay out: People with thyroid issues should avoid consuming moringa until there is more clarity.

By the way, if you read on some health website that Moringa is great for the thyroid because it is packed with selenium, ignore that point. Moringa can give you just about 1.5% of your daily selenium need—a hundred grams of it will give you 0.7 micrograms and you need 40 micrograms a day!

How Much Moringa to Consume?

If you have normal thyroid function:

• You can consume up to two and a half cups (sixty grams) of fresh moringa leaves daily.
• Instead, you can consume two teaspoons (twelve grams) of dried leaf powder, since the leaves have eighty per cent water.
• The third option is to consume a hundred grams of fresh seed pods (drumsticks) a day.
• As always, it is good to rotate your vegetable consumption and have different healthy vegetables on different days.

Do not consume moringa if you have any thyroid problems.

This article is based on the chapter on the medicinal properties of moringa in my upcoming book. The links to research mentioned here as well as more reading material can be found in my more detailed article on my Health Sachet website. Go to www.healthsachet.com and search for the following article: