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The Best Fruits To Eat For Hypothyroidism

A look at the connection between fruits and your thyroid health.
The Best Fruits To Eat For Hypothyroidism
Last updated:
5/31/2024
Written by:
Medically Reviewed by:

The Big Picture

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Our ancestors consumed a variety of foods sourced from Mother Nature. Fruits have always been a favorite, including fruits from trees such as apples and oranges and from lower-ground plants such as berries. Fruit is seen as a source of vitality, bursting with vitamins and minerals that are essential for health. However, with a growing interest in nutrition and an influx of mixed messaging around what is deemed “healthy,” fruit has gotten a bad rap, especially the reputation that “fruit has too much sugar.” Ahead, a look at the benefits of fruit and how to choose the best fruits when your thyroid gland is underactive.  

The nutritional benefits of fruit

There’s no question that fresh fruits are healthy. Fruit helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes and improves gastrointestinal and eye health. Moderate consumption of fruit can also help with weight management.  According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, for a well-balanced diet, around half of every plate should contain whole fruits and a variety of vegetables. Unfortunately, nearly 80% of the U.S. population does not meet this daily goal, and their diet is deficient in essential nutrients, including potassium and antioxidants. 

Fruit contains adequate amounts of the mineral potassium needed for proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. Potassium is readily found in bananas, avocados, and dried fruits such as apricots, prunes, and raisins.

Fruits supply an array of nutrients beneficial to health, including antioxidants, prebiotics, phytoestrogens, electrolytes, phytochemicals, and anti-inflammatory agents - all of which benefit our bodies, especially those with preexisting health conditions such as thyroid disease.

  • The Importance of Antioxidants in Fruits for Thyroid Health

Antioxidants play a vital role in supporting thyroid health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with hypothyroidism. Fruits rich in antioxidants, such as berries, cherries, and grapes, help neutralize free radicals and protect thyroid cells from damage. Including a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits in your diet can enhance thyroid function and overall well-being, making them a valuable addition to a hypothyroid-friendly diet.

  • Selenium and Vitamin C in Fruits

Selenium and vitamin C are essential nutrients that support thyroid health. Selenium, found in fruits like bananas and strawberries, is crucial for the production and regulation of thyroid hormones. Vitamin C, abundant in citrus fruits and kiwi, aids in the absorption of thyroid hormones and boosts the immune system. Ensuring an adequate intake of these nutrients through fruit consumption can help maintain optimal thyroid function and improve symptoms of hypothyroidism.

  • Seasonal and Local Fruits

Incorporating seasonal and locally grown fruits into your diet can provide fresher, more nutrient-dense options that support thyroid health. Seasonal fruits are often higher in vitamins and minerals, as they are picked at peak ripeness. Additionally, consuming locally grown produce can reduce exposure to pesticides and other chemicals that may affect thyroid function. Exploring farmers' markets or local produce sections can help you find the best fruits for your thyroid health while supporting sustainable practices.

  • Hydration and Fiber Benefits

Staying hydrated is essential for managing hypothyroidism, and fruits with high water content, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and oranges, can contribute to your daily hydration needs. These fruits also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common issue in hypothyroidism. Including hydrating and fiber-rich fruits in your diet can promote digestive health and support overall thyroid function.

What about the sugar in fruit?

We know fruit can be part of a nutrient-dense diet, but the big question remains: what about the amounts of sugar in fruit? Is sugar in fruit bad for you?

Sugar is a type of carbohydrate, meaning it provides our bodies with vital energy. The sugars in fruit are fructose, sucrose, and galactose -- classified as monosaccharides. The natural sugars found in fruits are metabolized in the body in the same way. The difference is in how they’re metabolized. Fructose, for example, is the predominant sugar in fruit and does not significantly increase blood glucose or insulin levels. Fruit also contains fiber, which slows the digestion and release of sugar.

Foods that contain refined sugars, like cookies, candies, or sugary soft drinks, usually have little to no fiber.  The sugar source travels rapidly to the bloodstream and spikes blood sugar levels, creating the well-known “sugar high.” 

Understanding the glycemic index

A key to choosing healthier fruits is the glycemic index, a rating system for all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains. Based on each food’s rating, the index shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar level when eaten on its own. The foods are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100. The closer to 100, the more a particular food affects blood sugar.

Generally, fruits have a lower glycemic rate than dairy, grains, and processed sugar. 

Tropical fruits such as mangos, papaya, and pineapple are higher on the glycemic index. Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, oranges, apples, and pears are lower on the glycemic scale. Choose fruits that are lower on the glycemic index to reduce sugar intake and inflammation. The Glycemic Index website has a helpful chart of most fruits. 





Fruit and fiber

More than 90% of women and 97% of men also don’t meet the recommended levels of dietary fiber intake. Fruit is a good -- and delicious -- way to increase fiber intake and meet daily goals.

Avocados, raspberries, pears, apples (with skin), oranges, and strawberries are all fruits rich in dietary fiber. MyFoodData has a helpful list of the fruits that are highest in fiber.

What’s the best fruit for hypothyroidism?

All fruits have nutritional value. When you have thyroid issues, deciding on the best fruits to eat ultimately depends on your specific goals. If you are at a healthy weight with normal blood sugar levels and your thyroid hormone levels are well controlled, you may want to choose fruits that are highest in fiber and nutrients. If you are experiencing weight gain, you’re trying to lose weight, you have elevated blood sugar, or you have autoimmunity and/or inflammation, you’ll want to choose high-fiber, low-glycemic fruits in moderation as part of your healthy diet. You’ll also want to avoid excessive amounts of high-glycemic fruit.

A note from Paloma

If you’re curious about how to incorporate more fruit into your diet in a healthy way or want to learn more about how fruit can affect your overall health, consider scheduling a session with one of our thyroid-savvy Paloma nutritionists. They can work with you to address any nutrient deficiencies and develop a plan based on nutritious foods that will support healthy thyroid function and thyroid levels.

References:

Harvard School of Public Health. Vegetables and Fruits. The Nutrition Source. Published August 20, 2018. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/

USDA. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020 -2025 Make Every Bite Count with the Dietary Guidelines.; 2020. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf

National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Potassium. Nih.gov. Published 2016. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-Consumer/

Slavin JL, Lloyd B. Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables. Advances in Nutrition. 2012;3(4):506-516. doi:https://doi.org/10.3945/an.112.002154

ScD VM. Are certain types of sugars healthier than others? Harvard Health. Published May 29, 2019. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-certain-types-of-sugars-healthier-than-others-2019052916699

Sugar in fruits: What matters for health | University Health Center. health.unl.edu. Accessed February 10, 2023. https://health.unl.edu/sugar-fruits-what-matters-health

‌What is the glycaemic index (GI)? nhs.uk. Published June 26, 2018. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/what-is-the-glycaemic-index-gi

Harvard Health Publishing. Glycemic index for 60+ foods - Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Published March 14, 2018. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic-index-and-glycemic-load-for-100-foods

Can certain foods increase thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism? Mayo Clinic. Published 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554

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Neeyaz Zolfaghari

Holistic Nutritionist and Nourishment Coach

Neeyaz Zolfaghari is the founder of Unspoken Nutrition, a nutrition and lifestyle brand dedicated to helping others find and create harmony with their daily habits to support their wellbeing and ‘health’. Her journey began over a decade ago, when she was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases. Knowing what she learned from her upbringing, Neeyaz turned to nutrition as the first pillar of her healing. As her body began to heal on a physical level, she began to learn how our minds, bodies and souls are all innately connected.  

Now as an Integrative Nutritionist and Patient Advocate, Neeyaz offers the people she works with the support, guidance, and tools they need in order to live a fulfilled life. While Neeyaz initially endeavored to make a difference at the individual level, her vision grew to embrace broader community impacts. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Public Health, serving as a testament to her unwavering commitment to instigate change on a grander scale.

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