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7 Health Benefits of Watermelon You Probably Didn’t Know About

Last updated on July 9, 2018 By Astrid 2 Comments

The Benefits of watermelon are many. They range from preventing hypertension, erectile dysfunction to muscle soreness and to speed up wound healing. All of this is due to watermelon being rich in lycopene –a powerful carotenoid antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. Including it in your diet will also bring other benefits such as helping your body balance the right ratio of cholesterol, while protecting it against some types of cancer like prostate, lung and breast cancer.

A two-cup serving of watermelon contains excellent levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, and also serves as a valuable source of potassium. At 92% water, watermelon delivers needed fluids and nutrients to the body, including lycopene – which has been studied for its potential role in reducing risk of heart disease, various cancers and protection to the skin from harmful UV rays – and citrulline – which can help maintain blood flow within the heart and cardiovascular function. [3]

Do you feel tired, weak, limp, or sore after physical exertion? Here is a tip: A nice glass of watermelon juice will definitely help recover. Here is why:

A team of scientists from the School of Agricultural Engineering of Cartagena in Spain created a watermelon juice that can reduce muscle soreness 24 hours after exercising intensely. The product is a pioneer in Europe where they’ve found many of its health benefits.

Now let’s get to the Top 7 benefits of watermelon:

1. L-Citrulline

One of the more unusual aspects of watermelon is its rich supply of the amino acid, citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that is commonly converted by our kidneys and other organ systems (including cells that line our blood vessels) into arginine (another amino acid). The flesh of a watermelon contains about 250 millligrams of citrulline per cup. When our body absorbs citrulline, one of the steps it can take is the conversion of citrulline into arginine. [1]

Watermelon contains large amounts of L-Citrulline, a substance produced by the relaxation of the capillaries. In the body, it is metabolized in an amino acid called arginine which has beneficial effects on the heart, the circulatory system which in turn benefits those with hypertension while boosting the immune system.

L-citrulline helps remove ammonia from the liver–an important element in the urea cycle, which occurs in this organ from the combination of ammonia, carbon dioxide, and ornithine. Once the process is done, it is expelled from the liver which carries out ammonia.

2. Anti-inflammatory

Cucurbitacin E is another unique anti-inflammatory phytonutrient (called a tripterpenoid) found in watermelon. Like the carotenoid lycopene, this anti-inflammatory nutrient has been shown to block the activity of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes and neutralize reactive nitrogen-containing molecules. (Interestingly, cucurbitacin E does not appear to neutralize activity of reactive oxygen species—called ROS—but only activity of reactive nitrogen species, called RNS.) [1]

benefits-of-watermelon — Watermelon contains lycopene, a bio active compound having protective effects against certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

3. Muscle Fatigue

Watermelon has an important role in muscle fatigue. When we play sports or physical stress is felt in the muscles, lactic acid and ammonia increase. Is then where L-citrulline comes into play by eliminating the factors that cause muscle fatigue– the muscle then prepares for the production of energy. So, drink this juice after intense physical activity for a quick and natural way to combat muscle fatigue.

4. Vasodilation

L-citrulline found in watermelon serves also as a Vasodilator (the widening of blood vessels) which contribute to a healthy sex life, since it promotes and improves blood flow in all parts of the body and relaxes blood vessels. This is a great natural aid for those suffering from erectile dysfunction.

5. Prevents Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Blindness

Watermelon contains lycopene a bioactive compound having protective effects against certain types of cancer-specially prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. Besides a healthy lifestyle– adding Neuro-vascular Support a top notch supplement that helps prevent cardiovascular disease, will slash your risks of developing or the progression of cardiovascular diseases. According to the National Cancer Institute Lycopene inhibits androgen receptors expression in prostate cancer cells- in vitro and, in conjunction with some of its metabolites {when the body brakes down chemicals, food or drugs metabolites are created}. Metabolites reduce prostate cancer proliferation. There is also evidence that Lycopene prevents macular degeneration syndrome, which is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

In cardiovascular disease~ Scientists using a mouse model known to mirror human biochemistry found that consuming a diet including watermelon and watermelon juice provided considerable cardiovascular health benefits as compared to a control group. The team determined that citrulline, a bioactive compound found in watermelon, was responsible for lowering levels of deadly oxidized LDL cholesterol, reducing the volume of arterial plaque and aiding in weight management for the supplemented animals. [6]

6. Anti-aging Effects

Lycopene is responsible for the red color of red-fleshed watermelon. Lycopene can help to eliminate free radicals from the body. Free radicals are thought to exaggerate many of the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and lines on the skin. Lycopene may also help to guard against conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.[2]

Vitamin A is stellar for your skin, and just a cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of your daily recommended intake of it. Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized, and it also encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this regard, as it promotes healthy collagen growth. [5]

7. Prevent Cell Damage, Speeds Wound Healing

Watermelon is high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an excellent source to boost our immune system by maintaining the integrity of our cells and protecting them from reactive oxygen species, that damage our cells and DNA.

In clinical studies in ncbia, [5] scientist provided evidence that wound healing in subjects judged not deficient in vitamin C can be significantly accelerated with supplements of this nutrient above the recommended daily allowance (RDA).The authors administered daily dosages of 500 to 3,000 mg., which is roughly 8 to 50 times the RDA of 60 mg., to subjects recovering from surgery, other injuries, decubital ulcers, and leg ulcers induced by hemolytic anemia. Genetic impairment of collagen synthesis has also been observed to be responsive to ascorbic acid supplementation in an 8-year-old boy with Type VI Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Four grams of ascorbic acid daily produced a significant improvement in the quality of newly synthesized collagen but did not alter that formed prior to the supplementation of C. [4]

Finally here is the nutritional profile of watermelon and a nice chart that showcases some of the top nutrients in it:

Nutritional Profile of Watermelon

Watermelon is an unusual fruit source of the carotenoid lycopene and a rich source of phenolic antioxidants. Watermelon contains cucurbitacin E, a triterpene anti-inflammatory phytonutrient, and unusual amounts of the amino acid citrulline. Watermelon is a very good source of vitamin C. It is also a good source of pantothenic acid, copper, biotin, potassium, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

For an in-depth nutritional profile click here: Watermelon. [1]

Tip on preserving watermelons to maximize its benefits by worldhealthiestfoods.com: [1]
Uncut watermelons are best stored at temperatures of 50-60°F (10–16°C). In many regions, room temperatures will typically be warmer than 60°F and may be less than ideal for whole watermelon storage due to increased risk of decay. Better storage temperatures will typically be found in cellars or basements that are partly or completely below ground level. While we’ve seen one study showing increases in lycopene content when whole watermelon was stored at a temperature of 68°F (20°C), we believe that a fully-ripe or close-to-fully-ripe melon will already have outstanding lycopene content and that it would be better for you to err on the safe side in terms of decay risk if you are planning to wait several days before slicing open your watermelon.
Like temperatures above 60°F (16°C), temperatures much below 50°F (10°C) are not recommended for storage of uncut watermelons. This is due to increased risk of chilling-type injury that can decrease shelf life and flavor. (Therefore, the refrigerator would not be a good place for you to store a whole, uncut watermelon for this reason.)

PIN IT FOR LATER

A Word of Caution Regarding Pesticides

During the past decade, non-organic watermelons grown in China became the topic of widespread controversy in the popular press following the use of a synthetic growth stimulator called forchlorfenuron in their cultivation.

A combination of heavy rainfall and potential overuse of the growth stimulator actually caused many watermelons on farms in Jiangsu Province to burst open, drawing media attention to this practice. While we are not aware of any data on the widespread use of synthetic growth stimulators in the production of non-organic watermelon, we have seen one study predicting residues of forchlorfenuron in the range of 1-5 ppb in watermelons raised with the use of this synthetic growth stimulator. If you are seeking to lower your risk of contamination with all synthetic additives in watermelon and other foods, we recommend that you purchase of certified organic watermelon, since synthetic growth stimulators and other synthetic additives are prohibited in organic food production. [1]

Is there anything you would like to add to this list? Are there other benefits to eating watermelon you can think of? Do share below!

References and other resources

https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 [1]

https://www.3fatchicks.com/the-anti-aging-benefits-of-watermelon/

https://www.watermelon.org/Watermelon-101 [3]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7038579 [4]

https://www.livescience.com/46019-watermelon-nutrition.html [5]

https://www.naturalnews.com/037553_watermelon_heart_disease_weight_management.html

https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/prostatesupplements/healthprofessional/page4

7 Amazing Foods, Spices and Herbs That Reverse Disease

Last updated on April 4, 2018 By Astrid 3 Comments

Want to improve your cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, reverse disease and drop a few pounds while you are at it?
Then you should try to add some– if not all of the foods, herbs, and spices that I will be talking about in this article to your diet.

Recent studies show that reducing chronic inflammation is key to healing from most diseases. The ancients believed that there were foods which healed all if not most ailments — and they were right!

Today there is ample scientific research that demonstrates the health benefits of foods, herbs, and spices. It was only through this systematic research that we have been fortunate enough to learn all about natural healing foods and their benefits.

Have you been searching for foods or alternatives to medicine to help you heal your disease? You have, as it has become obvious that foods heal and medicine merely masks or worsen the condition. So you came to the right place…

Here are 7 amazing foods, spices, and herbs plus their health benefits that reverse chronic inflammation:

1.Moringa

Moringa oleifera, is a versatile and valued plant native to India, and is widely cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is also known as drumstick tree, which belongs to the Moringaceae family. It is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.

So far, scientists have only investigated a fraction of the many reputed health benefits.

Although modern science has recently found its health benefits, moringa has been around across various cultures since ancient times.

As of recently, its usage has been encouraged by several humanitarian organizations to fight malnutrition in poverty-stricken countries, mainly due to its economic viability and rapid growth. This begs the question: Is this a nutritional powerhouse? (Find Morniga here)

It turns out — Yes!

In Ayurvedic medicine, it is valued for its impressive array of therapeutic uses such as: antiviral, antidepressant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Moringa leaves are a great source of many minerals and vitamins. A cup of chopped leaves contain the following:

Riboflavin (B2): 11% of the RDA
Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): 9% of the RDA
Magnesium: 8% of the RDA
Protein: 2 grams
Vitamin B6: 19% of the RDA
Vitamin C: 12% of the RDA
Iron: 11% of the RDA

Moringa Lowers blood sugars ~ In one research study, 30 women took about 7 grams of Moringa leaf powder every day for three months. This reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5% [7]

Additionally, a small study in diabetic patients found that adding 50 grams of Moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21% [8]

Moringa also contains chlorogenic acid. Also found in high amounts in coffee, chlorogenic acid may help moderate blood sugar levels after meals.

Moringa For Cardiovascular health~ A substantial amount of antioxidant plant compounds have been found in the leaves of Moringa oleifera. Including beta-carotene and Vitamin C, Quercetin was also present (This potent antioxidant has been proven to lower blood pressure) [8,9].

In fact, one research study in females found that taking about (1.5 teaspoons) of moringa leaf powder daily for three months remarkably increased blood antioxidant levels.

Another study found that moringa extract had scavenging like behavior when it comes to free radicals. In hyper cholesterol-fed rabbits, cholesterol levels were lower at 12 weeks of treatment and reduced the atherosclerotic plaque formation to about 50 and 86%, respectively. These effects were at ranges comparable to those of simvastatin.

Researchers concluded that this plant possesses antioxidant, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic activities and has therapeutic potential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases [10]

Moringa Reduces Inflammation~ Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury, infection and many diseases. Inflammation is crucial as a protective mechanism but could become a major health issue when it goes unattended for a long time.

Prolonged inflammation has been linked to many chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer [11]
Many foods, herbs, and spices are known to have anti-inflammatory effects, those include– pomegranates, turmeric, ginger, and moringa is no exception.

Moringa seeds, pods and leaves have anti-inflammatory properties as well, which are most likely due to isothiocyanates.

2. Nigella Sativa or Black Seed

Recent studies revealed that there is Antibacterial activity of Nigella sativa. In this article by greenmedinfo peer-reviewed and published research demonstrated that this powerful life-saving seed has remarkable healing benefits including:

- - Diabetes~ Just 2 grams of black seed daily reduced morning glucose, enhanced beta cell function, reduced hbA1C and reduced insulin resistance in humans.
  - High blood pressure~ Daily use of 100-200 gms for two months revealed a blood pressure lowering effect in pre-hypertensive patients.
  - Helicobacter Pylori ~ Compared to triple eradication therapy, black seed possess useful anti-H. Pylori activity.
  - Asthma ~ One of the main active components in Nigella sativa –hymoquinone, is far superior to asthma drugs such as fluticasone in animal studies. Another research study in humans found that boiled water extract of black seed has potent anti-asthmatic effect in the airways.
  - MRSA~ The anti-bacterial activity in black seed showed remarkable results against laboratory and clinical isolates of staph aureus.
  - Colon Cancer ~ In cell research studies have discovered that black seed extract positively compared to chemotherapy by suppressing colon cancer growth. However, animals studies showed greater repressive impact when black seed oil was used– without significant negative side effects.
  - Opiate addiction/withdrawal ~ A research study of 35 opiate addicts discovered that black seed was an effective therapy for long-term opioid treatment. [5] (I like this Nigella Sativa oil) or you can get in a powder form.
  Since then, the biomedical research on black seed has continued to flourish, with another 78 studies published and cited on the National Library of Medicine’s biomedical database MEDLINE over the past 11 months. Read the full article here.
  You can use Nigella sativa by making a mixture of your favorite seeds and spices and keep them handy in the pantry. Grind them and sprinkle over your yogurt, kefir or add to your favorite meal, or use the tincture.
3. Unprocessed Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts contain plant-based protein, omega 3s, vitamins and many minerals offering an array of health benefits. Nuts are a great source of dietary fiber and provide a wide range of essential nutrients, including several B group vitamins (including folate), vitamin E, minerals such as calcium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium, antioxidant minerals (selenium, manganese, and copper), plus other phytochemicals.
A good starting point is the PAMM diet (Pan-Asian Modified Mediterranean diet) as mentioned in this article by Dr. Sinatra. Many of those recipes encourage adding some seeds, dry fruit and healthy nuts (Nuts and seeds, including walnuts, almonds, chestnuts, and flaxseed) to your diet.
In the East, a mixture of five seeds – cumin, fenugreek, Nigella, mustard, and fennel – are sprinkled over every dish. Ideally, you don’t want to cook this mixture, because the heat is going to destroy its beneficial properties. Not only does this give the dish its spicy finishing touch, but also helps in the prevention of a number of ailments.
Some of the nuts with the most health benefits include:
[list style=”check”]
- Macadamias~ Macadamia nuts contain more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats per serving than any other nut.
- Almonds~ Contain more fiber than any other nut (about 3 gms per ounce), they are also the highest in Vitamin E.
- Walnuts~ Contain the most antioxidants of any nut out there. They also contain most omega-3 fatty acids, which we now know fight inflammation. They’re also high in manganese, which can reduce PMS symptoms.
- Cashews~ Cashews are very high in iron, zinc, and magnesium.
- Brazil Nuts~ Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, which can help prevent cancer, help lower antibodies in hypothyroid patients naturally, and more. Additionally, according to this article from superfoodprofiles, Brazil nuts can also help raise testosterone levels due to their high concentration of naturally occurring selenium. They are far superior when it comes to supplementing selenium vs selenomethionine. [4]
Some of the seeds with the most health benefits include:
[list style=”check”]
- Cumin is excellent for your digestive system. It also helps prevent cancer.
- Mustard helps keep your heart healthy and reduces high blood pressure.
- Fenugreek has been used by the Chinese and Indians to treat asthma and also arthritis down the ages.
- Fennel is one of the most popular of spices in the East. Apart from it being an aid to digestion, Constipation, Indigestion, IBS & Bloating.
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Thyroid Cancer and Raw Cruciferous: The Connection is Evident

Last updated on July 16, 2018 By Astrid Leave a Comment

I am going to begin by stating the obvious. I’m not a physician nor pretend to be one. However, I have done research, read medical journals, new and old scientific studies, and have been to quite a few holistic and integrative health conferences — virtual and on-site, to know that foods can be the best form of poison (processed) for our health or clean (unprocessed/organic) which heals your body.

If you eat clean and organic what is the big deal with raw cruciferous and what is the connection to thyroid disease or cancer?

I am glad you asked…

See, I am passionate about prevention and have always looked for ways to enhance my family’s health with the least amount of medical intervention. When I learned that a relative was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism I began to do some more research to find the right protocol for him as Synthroid and other medications weren’t working. That is why I am sharing my findings with you, so you can make informed decisions when it comes to your thyroid’s health.

This time we are going to look at the correlation between eating raw cruciferous and thyroid cancer.

Remember though– vegetables are your best source of nutrients, among other nourishing foods- hands down. That being said, If you have or suspect hypothyroidism you should be careful with Brassicas. I have updated this article with new research and the results are somewhat concerning.

Now let’s look at the correlation between raw cruciferous and Thyroid Cancer:

In this article Leyla Muedin MS, RD, CDN says:

These vegetables are from the plant genus Brassica, which are known to be goitrogenic. A goitrogen is a thyroid antagonist found in food. Also included in the Brassica family are turnips, rutabaga, watercress, kohlrabi and cauliflower. As someone with hypothyroidism, should you avoid these vegetables completely? No. Make sure to eat most of these vegetables cooked, rather than in their raw state and don’t eat them every day. Always eat a variety of produce. – [2]

There is a controversy when it comes to consuming raw cruciferous like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and the like. Some people believe that you must eat raw foods no matter what, others feel that cooked are the only way, and other simply don’t eat them. I can see why. So, I decided to do a little more research and the findings were concerning.

It is hard to believe that vegetables can harm us in any way right? Well, most of them don’t, and you should eat them in any way shape and form unless you are deficient in one particular mineral.

Let’s dive into some nutrition and biology 101 shall we?

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables all contain goitrogens. These include all types of cabbages, such as napa cabbage, bok choy and Brussels sprouts; broccoli, cauliflower and kale; and collard, mustard, and turnip greens. If you have normal thyroid function and consume adequate amounts of iodine, these compounds will have no effect on your thyroid.

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences has established the recommended dietary allowance or RDA, for iodine at 150 mcg daily. Himalayan salt for example contains 250 micrograms of iodine (167% DV. per 1/2 gram). {Buy pure Himalayan salt here}

Goitrogens

Fortunately, the goitrogenic compounds in cruciferous vegetables are destroyed by heat. Cooking these vegetables will ensure that they will not affect your thyroid.

There are different types of goitrogens; the ones in raw cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are isothiocyanates, which block the enzyme that allows your thyroid to use iodine.

Other foods that contain goitrogens are soy, spinach, strawberries, peaches and peanuts. Fermenting soy disables the goitrogenic isoflavones found in soy foods. Also, you can limit your consumption of certain foods to avoid the goitrogenic effect.

Mary Shomon a well respected and expert in thyroid diseases warns the following:

Some common vegetables, fruits and foods with the highest concentration of goitrogens not mentioned above are:

African cassava
Babassu (a palm-tree coconut fruit found in Brazil and Africa)
Bok choy
Broccoli
Broccolini
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chinese Broccoli
Collards
Daikon
Kale
Kohlrabi
Millet
Mustard
Pine nuts
Radishes
Red Radish
Rutabaga
Turnips
Watercress

On the other hand, warnings that these foods are the cause of hypothyroidism are probably exaggerated. First, the goitrogens are destroyed when these foods are cooked. Secondly, the amount of these foods that someone needs to eat in order to get an anti-thyroid hormone effect is much larger than what most people would eat in a normal diet. Although I would not advise someone with hypothyroidism to eat lots of these vegetables uncooked, I have found no evidence that just eating normal amounts of these vegetables will cause.

Goitrogens may be helpful to include in the diet in case of hyperthyroidism.

The Role of Dietary Iodine and Cruciferous Vegetables in Thyroid Cancer

I group of researchers from the French Institute of Health and Medicine, conducted a countrywide population-based case-control study in the multi-ethnic population of Caledonian women.

Exceptionally high incidence rates of thyroid cancer have been reported in New Caledonia, particularly in Melanesian women. To clarify the reasons of this elevated incidence they decided to do further research. The study included 293 cases of thyroid cancer and 354 population controls. Based on a food frequency questionnaire, they investigated the role in thyroid cancer of food items rich in iodine-such as seafood-and of vegetables containing goitrogens-such as cruciferous vegetables.

What Researchers Found

A measure of total daily iodine intake based on a food composition table was also used. Scientist findings provided little support for an association between thyroid cancer and consumption of fish and seafood. However, They found that high consumption of cruciferous vegetables was associated with thyroid cancer among Melanesian women with mild iodine deficiency, may contribute to explain the exceptionally high incidence of thyroid cancer in this group. Furtheremore, Iodine deficiency has been linked to other diseases and forms of Cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Symptoms

Initially, though, people may go into the doctor because they notice the following symptoms and signs:

Lump in the Neck: Not all thyroid nodules are big enough to cause a noticeable lump. Some people, though, may notice a lump in the front of their neck. You may be able to see it, or perhaps you can’t see it but you can feel it. Other people may notice a lump in your neck when you swallow. The most common way that a thyroid lump (and potential thyroid cancer) is detected, however, is when a doctor performs a thyroid exam and feels your thyroid.
Swollen Lymph Node: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are another symptom of thyroid cancer (a symptom not related to thyroid nodules). Thyroid cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, which are scattered throughout your body to help you fight infection. The lymph nodes in your neck (you can feel them under your jaw) become swollen when you have a cold or sore throat, for example. When the infection is gone, they should return to their normal size, so if the lymph nodes in your neck stay enlarged for an extended period—and you aren’t sick—you should talk to your doctor.
Hoarse Voice: Your thyroid gland sits just below the larynx (more commonly known as your voice box). A thyroid nodule (which may be thyroid cancer) may be pressing on the voice box, causing hoarseness or voice changes. This is an uncommon way that thyroid cancer is detected.
Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: The thyroid is on top of your trachea—the windpipe. A developing thyroid cancer may put pressure on your trachea, making breathing more difficult. Your esophagus is below your trachea, so again, a developing thyroid cancer can cause trouble swallowing. This is also an uncommon way that thyroid cancer is detected.
Neck Pain: Pain is usually a clue that something in your anatomy isn’t working quite as it should. If you have neck pain that lasts longer than a few weeks, you should make an appointment with your doctor to figure out what’s causing it. Thyroid cancer is a rare cause of neck pain but if you have neck pain combined with some of these other symptoms, be sure to mention that to your doctor.
Throat Pain: Similar to neck pain, if you have throat pain that won’t go away, you should go to see your doctor. It’s a possible symptom of thyroid cancer.

The above symptoms are associated with thyroid nodules of all types, not just cancerous nodules. Since most thyroid cancers develop in thyroid nodules, it’s essential to be aware of these symptoms and signs that may point to thyroid cancer.

Keep in mind, however, that the majority of thyroid nodules are not cancerous, and most adults will have a thyroid nodule (or even a few of them).

The symptoms of thyroid cancer are hard to detect—and usually the noticeable symptoms are caused not by the cancer itself but by the thyroid nodule where the thyroid cancer is developing. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. [2]

The Connection Between Breast Cancer and Low Iodine Levels

While doing research on breast cancer a few months ago, this scientific study demonstrated that women who developed breast cancer had usually low- to very low levels of Iodine. It is clear that there is a connection between low levels of Selenium and Iodine with breast of cancer.

Here is an excerpt of that study:

Scientists examined some of the evidence linking iodine and selenium to breast cancer development. Seaweed is a popular dietary component in Japan and a rich source of both of these essential elements. We hypothesize that this dietary preference may be associated with the low incidence of benign and malignant breast disease in Japanese women. In animal and human studies, iodine administration has been shown to cause regression of both iodine-deficient goiter and benign pathological breast tissue.
Iodine, in addition to its incorporation into thyroid hormones, is organified into anti-proliferative iodolipids in the thyroid; such compounds may also play a role in the proliferative control of extrathyroidal tissues. Selenium acts synergistically with iodine. All three mono-deiodinase enzymes are selenium-dependent and are involved in thyroid hormone regulation. In this way selenium status may affect both thyroid hormone homeostasis and iodine availability.

Although there is suggestive evidence for a preventive role for iodine and selenium in breast cancer, rigorous retrospective and prospective studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis

While my intention is not to create panic, I do like to raise awareness and bring up the scientific evidence to the light. Studies are that, and there is always room for errors that perhaps “interfered” with the results on the beautiful Caledonian women and their high cancer rates. That being said, I suggest that you keep a close eye on your iodine levels especially if you have thyroid disease, or suspect you may have it.

Additionally, use common sense when it comes to your health while listening to your body and working closely with an integrative medicine practitioner. {Buy oral Lugols Iodione here}

In Conclusion

Should you stop consuming brassicas or green juices made with goitrogens? Not if you do not have Hashimoto’s/Hypothyroidism keep track of your Iodine and Selenium level,s and of course follow a diet rich in foods that support the thyroid.

However, the facts don’t lie, and studies are conducted for a reason. It is in your best interest to work closely with a reliable Endocrinologist or Integrative Endocrinologist in order to keep your thyroid disease in check or keep it healthy.

As always raw organic foods such as fruits and vegetables are an amazing way to nourish your body, so stopping them altogether wouldn’t be healthy either. Cook them if you must, but eat them!

At home we rotate meals with cooked and raw vegetables depending on the season and availability while monitoring not only our iodine levels, but other minerals, vitamins, and symptoms.

Thanks for reading and sharing my posts. I hope you learned something new and that you can share this knowledge with loved ones.