Does cooking affect the goitrogen content of food?
Yes, cooking may help to inactivate the goitrogenic compounds found in food. Goitrogens are naturally-occurring substances that can interfere with thyroid gland functioning. Foods containing goitrogenic substances include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, rutabagas, kohlrabi, turnips, and all foods containing soy including tofu and tempeh. While individuals with already existing and untreated thyroid problems may want to avoid eating the above foods for this reason, those who simply want to lower their goitrogen intake may be able to do so by consuming these foods in cooked form.
