What are Lectins and ways to avoid their adverse effects on our body | VR Healthy Ageing

What are Lectins and ways to avoid their adverse effects on our body

What are lectins and why is it better to avoid lectin consumption ? 

Plants do not have mobility. So, unlike animals, they cannot run away when attacked. So they fight by chemical warfare. And that is where Lectins come in. 

Lectins are a part of the plants defence mechanism and they are chemicals produced by them to actually ward off pathogens. They also are known to cause digestive discomfort. Many of us react to Lectins especially when we consume them in large quantities. In general they are well tolerated but chemicals are better avoided and if we find a way to remove the lectins, then the food becomes more easily digestible and more importantly, we are able to extract the nutrients better thereby benefiting our body in a much better way.

Lectins are found in some vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts. As a general rule, soaking seeds and nuts in water overnight or letting them sprout (germinate) will get rid of the lectins. Its a natural process because when we soak seeds, their purpose is solved and they do not need the defence mechanism anymore. Therefore, they release the phytic acid and get ready for the germination process. This makes them more easily digestible and their nutrient availability is enhanced. 

Therefore, nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews are better consumed after soaking them in water overnight. Lentils are also better consumed after soaking them overnight and even better after they have sprouted. Let them sprout well like an inch or more to avail the best benefit. 

Cooking at high temperatures also releases the Lectins. Make it a point to cook your beans in a pressure cooker after soaking them for 4-6 hours. 

Some vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants also have lectins. Tomatoes must be peeled and deseeded because it is in the seed and the peel where Lectins are present. And understandably so. Its the peel where the plant wants protection from insects and the seeds must be protected for germination. In Italy they have been peeling and deseeding tomatoes as standard procedure. 

To avail maximum benefit by better nutrient absorption and avoiding digestive discomfort, follow the rule of soaking seeds and pressure cooking beans before consuming them. After all, we must do our best to simplify the jobs for our body to perform well and let us live healthy to a ripe old age.

 

Vibhuti Misra  

Holistic Health Specialist

+91 813 088 2160