Q. What is Goitrogens anti-thyroid substance?
Ans.
Goitrogenslanti-thyroid substances present in certain plant foods have been found to interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland in the body. This can contribute to the development of iodine deficiency disorders when iodine intakes are marginal. Thiocyanates, isothiocyanates and their derivatives are the chief goitrogens which occur in leaves and vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus and family Cruciferae, like radish, cabbage, cauliflower, rapeseed, mustard, broccoli, brussels sprouts, turnips, etc. Soyabean and other legumes, bujru, peanut and lentils also contain goitrogens. The enzymes required for production of goitrogens in the plant are destroyed by cooking. Goitrogens are also lost through leaching into cooking water.