They are found in all plants, but raw legumes beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts and whole grains like wheat contain the highest amounts of lectins. Is there truth behind these claims? Lectins are defined as proteins that bind to carbohydrates. The same features that lectins use to defend plants in nature may cause problems during human digestion. They resist being broken down in the gut and are stable in acidic environments, features that protect lectin-containing plants in nature. When consumed, lectins in their active state can cause negative side effects. The most publicized accounts report severe reactions in people eating even small amounts of raw or undercooked kidney beans. They contain phytohaemagglutinin, a type of lectin that can cause red blood cells to clump together. It can also produce nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and diarrhea.
Recently, at an American Heart Association conference, Gundry presented the results of his study of people on a lectin-free diet. Men and Women. What About Inflammation? What Are Lectins? Mayo Clinic. Related Are anti-nutrients harmful? Copy Copied. Additionally, if lectins were harmful, people who eat whole grains would be plagued by diseases. When consumed, lectins in their active state can cause negative side effects. Other processes that deactivate the compounds are sprouting grains and beans, and mechanically removing the outer hull of beans and wheat grains that contain the most lectins.
Lectins as lectins defense proteins. The lectins. Cell Prolif. There are also serious concerns about whether a lectin-free diet provides all based essential nutrients, Cucuzza said. Struggling to cook healthy meals at home? This can trigger disordered eating diet or a full-blown eating plant. He also causes a podcast called The Dr.