Seaweed is a rare example of a non-animal product rich in vitamin B12, which makes it a great substitute for meat in vegan and vegetarian diets. It has also been promoted as a superfood that could help you lose weight due to its iodine and fiber-rich content. But a high iodine intake could lead to thyroid problems and even weight gain. Seaweed might also contain high amounts of heavy metals depending on where it grew.
7. Soy and its derivatives
Soy foods are rich in nutrients including vitamin B, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and high-quality protein. It’s considered a complete protein because it contains all 9 essential amino acids that the body cannot make. But if you’ve changed your diet recently due to thyroid problems, beware: soy might interfere with hormone medication used to treat hypothyroidism in female patients. Although studies are not conclusive, it’s worth monitoring carefully.
8. Chia seeds
Although chia seeds have been sold as a superfood because of their high omega-3 content, no evidence has been found so far of their health benefits, specifically regarding cardiovascular disease. The omega 3 contained in chia seeds is more difficult to absorb than the kind provided by salmon, so despite containing more of it, you would need to eat about 100 grams of chia seeds to absorb just as much as you would with fish. Here’s the catch: 100 grams of chia seeds contain about 500 calories, which equals about the same as a fast-food hamburger.
