7 Iodine Rich Beverages to Improve Thyroid Function

If you're not a huge fan of fish or seafood, then why not try out some of the iodine packed beverages in this article, so that you can get plenty of iodine into your diet in a natural and delicious way.

Iodine rich beverages can be a great dietary supplement in people with thyroid problems – as long as they’re authorized by a doctor.

These are natural drinks that can be enjoyed any time alongside a meal or snack. In this article, we’ll tell you more about them so that you can keep them in mind for later.

Iodine, an essential mineral for your health

Iodine is an essential micromineral because it’s involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This means that it helps to regulate functions throughout the body. It also plays a key role in growth, cell function, neural processes, and even your mental faculties.

According to information from the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency is one of the main causes of mental development problems in children. As such, it’s important to make sure it’s present in the diet from an early age.

To obtain iodine, you need to eat certain foods on a regular basis as part of a balanced diet. Some of the most notable sources of iodine include fish and sea food, although it’s also possible to find it in foods like iodized salt, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and even some kinds of seaweed.

Iodine packed beverages

In this next section, we’ll be taking a look at some simple, delicious and natural ways you can get iodine into your diet using homemade beverages.

1. Cow’s milk

Drinking cow’s milk can help ensure you have enough iodine in your diet to maintain proper thyroid function.

One glass of cow’s milk can contain approximately 55 μg of iodine. It’s important to clarify that these levels won’t vary if you choose low-fat varieties of milk.

2. Blackberry juice

Blackberries are fairly similar to strawberries, both in nutritional value and mineral content. If you don’t like strawberries, you could consider using some delicious blackberries as a substitute.

One glass of blackberry juice can contain approximately 20 μg of iodine. 

3. Strawberry smoothie

One cup of strawberries can contain roughly 13 μg of iodine. In fact, strawberries contain the highest amount of iodine of any fruit.

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 1/2 cup of strawberries (85 g)
• 1 cup of organic milk (250 ml)

Preparation

• Slice the strawberries into small pieces.
• Process all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.
• Serve, add a few ice cubes and drink in moderation.

4. Cranberry smoothie

Cranberries are another type of berry that contain large amounts of iodine. It’s estimated that just 150 ml of cranberry juice can contain up to 400 μg of iodine.

Ingredients

• Ice cubes (to taste)
• Fresh spinach (30 g)
• 1 cup of coconut milk (250 ml)
• 1 cup of cranberry juice (250 ml)

Procedure

• Process all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.
• Drink in moderation.

5. Strawberries and yogurt

Eating a portion of yogurt with strawberries or cranberries is also an excellent way to increase your iodine intake. One cup of liquid yogurt can contain approximately 90 μg of iodine.

Ingredients

• 2 pints of natural liquid yogurt
• 2 cups of fresh strawberries or cranberries (340 g)

Procedure

• Take one cup of fruit and cut into small cubes.
• Place the second cup in the blender along with the liquid yogurt
• Blend well until smooth, and then place into a glass or plastic container with a lid.
• Add the chopped fruit and mix.

6. Mango juice

Mango juice is another drink that’s rich in iodine, and can be enjoyed any time you like. So, don’t hesitate to make the most of it!

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 1 cup of mango, chopped (165 g)

Procedure

• Combine all ingredients in a blender.
• Serve with a few ice cubes and drink.
• If you want to create a slightly thicker mixture, use plenty of mango, and don’t add too much water.

7. Creamy green smoothie

This creamy green smoothie is yet another way to increase your iodine intake. It’s made from just three ingredients, that are not only highly nutritious, but also absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 1/2 a medium sized avocado
• 1/2 cup of seaweed (20 g)
• 1 green apple, chopped
• 1 cup of coconut water (250 ml)

Procedure

• Core the apple and chop into cubes (without removing the skin). Place into a container of water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
• Chop the seaweed as finely as possible (this will help to prevent it from getting tangled around the blades of your blender).
• Scoop out the pulp of the avocado and place in the blender with the rest of the ingredients.
• Blend until smooth, making sure to have a small taste to see if you like the texture. If so, serve and drink.

Natural drinks are healthy supplements to be consumed as part of a balanced diet

These iodine packed beverages are a dietary supplement, to be consumed as part of a healthy diet. Under no circumstances should they ever be used as a substitute for a main meal. Not only would this leave you feeling hungry, but it could also lead to a nutritional imbalance in the body.

As with other similar homemade beverages, we would recommend that you avoid adding sugar, stevia or other sweeteners to your smoothies. Ideally, you should try to enjoy the natural flavors of these healthy ingredients. However, if you do decide to add sugar or sweeteners, be sure to do so in moderation.