What is an antinutrient?
An antinutrient is a type of chemical compound. found in some plants. (1,2)
Antinutrients are not a major concern for most people, but may become a problem during periods of malnutrition, or among people who base their diets almost soley on grains and legumes. (1)
Many antinutrients are water-soluble. (1)
What does an antinutrient do?
An antinutrient reduces the absorption of nutrients from the digestive system when eaten. (1)
Antinutrients may have some beneficial health effects. (1)
What are types of antinutrients?
phytates (phytic acid) (1)
tannins (1)
lectins (1)
protease inhibitors (1)
calcium oxalate (1)
leptins (3)
saponins (3)
polyphenols (3)
flavonoids (3)
What contains antinutrients?
plants
seeds
legumes
grains
Most antinutrients are found in the skin of plants. (1)
Where are antinutrients?
Antinutrients may be located in plants. (1)
Many foods that contain antinutrients are often soaked in water overnight to improve their nutritional value because they are water-soluble, so they simply dissolve when foods are soaked. (1)
Resources
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-reduce-antinutrients
2. https://thetrailtohealth.com/blog/toxins-and-antinutrients-in-food-why-you-should-avoid-them
3. https://draxe.com/nutrition/antinutrients/
