You can protect your thyroid and eat pizza, too, with this delicious Cauliflower Crust
What's the difference between Cauliflower Crust Pizza to the ordinary pizza dough?
Cauliflower crust pizza is a delicious way to add cauliflower to the diet, which is a versatile vegetable that can promote thyroid health. By incorporating cauliflower into a pizza crust, one can enjoy a tasty meal while also providing the thyroid gland with nutrients that help it produce hormones.
There is a link between thyroid health and gluten consumption. Autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as, depression, migraines, ADHD, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, balance problems, epilepsy, inability to concentrate, and dermatitis, are among the many non-digestive disorders that have now been linked to gluten intolerance. How can one little protein result in such widespread symptoms? Gluten works its mischief in several ways. One is by triggering autoimmune responses and another is by causing malabsorption of nutrients which can affect thyroid health.
While it is easy to find gluten-free flour mixes these days, they usually contain a mix of flours like rice, tapioca, and potato which can all spike blood sugar and create an insulin response. For those looking to heal and/or protect the thyroid or balance blood sugar, gluten-free flour, or any flour, is not a healthy option.
The zucchini in this cauliflower crust pizza is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. It is also rich in antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, which can help protect cells from damage. It is also hydrating to support digestion and prevent constipation which can occur in some cases of hypothyroid when everything slows down. Zucchini is also high in carotenoids, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Instead of flour, this pizza crust starts with cauliflower. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is a good source of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. It contains compounds called glucosinolates, which are converted into active compounds, such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, when the vegetables are chopped, chewed, or cooked. These active compounds have been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can support immune health.
Flax seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds all benefit thyroid. Flax seeds may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, which can help improve thyroid function. Hemp seeds and chia seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. Zinc is very important for thyroid health. Zinc plays a role in the conversion of thyroid hormones and can help regulate the immune system.
Hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These ingredients in cauliflower-crust pizza are beneficial for people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. These healthy fats also modulate thyroid hormone levels. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid can increase levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have mood-enhancing effects, as well, and may help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with thyroid disorders.
Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also helps with the absorption of iron, which is found in cauliflower and is important for thyroid function. Iron is an essential nutrient for thyroid hormone synthesis, and iron deficiency can lead to impaired thyroid function.
Salt, natural salts like Himalayan pink salt or sea salt, contain trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are important for overall health.
Aromatic herbs found in Italian seasoning, garlic, and basil have antioxidant properties that can protect against oxidative stress, which has been linked to thyroid dysfunction. Many of these herbs are anti-inflammatory, and most of them contain compounds that have immune-boosting properties, which can help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections and illnesses.
One of the most difficult items for people to replace when removing gluten from their diet is their pizza. Top this crust with your favorite marinara sauce and veggies, and you can enjoy pizza, again.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Equipment
- 1 food processor
- 1 dehydrator
Ingredients
- 1/2 head cauliflower
- 1 zucchini
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 2 tablespoons chia gel
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon basil
Instructions
- Process cauliflower and zucchini in a food processor until size of confetti. You may need to do it in two batches, but then put the whole batch back into the food processor.
- Add flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia gel, lemon juice, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and basil, and process in a food processor until it holds together, stopping and using spatula to mix as needed.
- Shape on Teflex sheet. Makes 2 personal pizzas.
- Start at 140 and drop to 110 after two hours. Dehydrated 12-24 hours, flipping when
- ready.
what are teflex pans a,d where to purchase. Do you start oven at 140 fir 2 hrs and then drop down to 110.What does it mean then dehydrated 12-24 hpurs
Hi, I think the sheets are silicon bodkin sheets.
When I made the recipe I started in a dehydrator set at 140 then after 2 hours I lowered the temperature to 110. Checked for dryness along the way every few hours and flipped the crust when dry enough to do so. It could take 12-24 hours for the crust to be dry enough for use. If you don’t have a dehydrator some ovens have these temperature settings.
Awesome!