For those navigating digestive discomforts, allergies, or a compromised immune system, understanding lectins is crucial. These proteins, found in numerous foods, particularly in legumes and grains, act as anti-nutrients. This means they can hinder the absorption of vital nutrients and have adverse health effects. Their role in exacerbating conditions such as gut-related disorders, autoimmune diseases, and irritable bowel syndrome cannot be overstated. Recognizing the foods high in lectins is the first step towards managing these conditions.
What Are Lectins?
Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates, present in almost all foods, with a pronounced presence in legumes and grains. They’re dubbed anti-nutrients for their ability to bind with certain carbohydrates, limiting the body’s nutrient absorption capabilities. Although some lectins are benign, others can pose health risks, contingent on the carbohydrates they attach to. [1]
