What is a lectin?
Lectins are defined as proteins that bind to carbohydrates. (3, 4)
Lectin is a type of antinutrient. (1)
Lectins are also known as hemaggluteinins. (4)
What do lectins do?
Some lectins may be harmful to humans in high amounts, and interfere with the absorption of nutrients. (1)
Lectins may disrupt the small intestines’s ability to metabolize foods. (2)
Lectins permanently attach themselves to the walls of the small intesine. (2)
some believe lectins cause inflammation, GI problems, leaky gut syndrome, and joint pain. (3)
in plants they repel microorganisms, insects, and other pests (3)
In a person with Crohn’s diease or another inflammatory condition, lectins may make their way into the bloodstream. (3)
lectins in the bloodstream may cause problems (3)
Animal and cell studies have found that active lectins can interfere with the absorption of minerals, especially calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. (4)
lectins slow down digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates which may prevent sharp rises in blood sugar and high insulin levels. (4)
What foods contains lectins?
all plants contain lectins (4)
seeds
legumes
grains
pigeon peas
red kidney beans
soybeans (2)
wheat (2)
peanuts (2)
potatoes (2)
tomatoes (2)
Humans and Lectins
A human cannot digest lectins (3)
What happens to a person that is sensitive to lectins?
Those sensitive to lectins may experience joint pain, brain fog, skin issues, and migraines. (2)
Can lectins in foods be reduced in foods?
Most lectins can be eliminated with heat from cooking. (2)
The human body can produce enzymes during digestion that degrades some lectins. (4)
What are types of lectins?
gluten
Resources
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-reduce-antinutrients#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
2. https://thetrailtohealth.com/blog/toxins-and-antinutrients-in-food-why-you-should-avoid-them
3. https://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-lectins
4. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/anti-nutrients/lectins/
5. https://www.drsamrobbins.com/weight-loss/gluten-vs-lectins-whats-worse-for-your-health/
