Lectin is a carbohydrate-binding protein that can be found in varying amounts in most plants, including beans, pulses, grains, fruits and vegetables (eg, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, berries, watermelon), nuts, coffee, chocolate, and some herbs and spices (eg, peppermint, marjoram, nutmeg).
The good news is, boiling lectin-containing foods deactivates the lectins, thereby removing the anti-nutrient property from them. The kicker is, they must be properly boiled or cooked, lest some of the lectins remain.
Cooked root vegetables like sweet potatoes, yucca and taro, along with leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, avocados, olives and olive oil are all examples of healthy foods that do contain some lectins. They can be eaten without restrictions.
The Gundry Diet not only allows sweet potatoes, but recommends their consumption because resistant starches are good for your gut bugs. Be aware, while sweet potatoes are resistant starches, regular potatoes are not. Just what is a resistant starch?
Low in lectins: Sweet potatoes are low in anti-nutrients, like the protein toxins, lectins and patatin. Lectins are tied directly to inflammation and autoimmune reactions in your body. Low glycemic index: The sugar content in sweet potatoes is low in both fructose and glucose.
The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has been shown to fight inflammation, and eating them regularly can help ease joint pain and other symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. If you're looking for a delicious way to reduce inflammation, add some sweet potatoes to a salad or bake alongside protein!
While bananas do contain lectins, they are not considered to be a major source of lectins. Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in calories and fat. Lectin is a protein that is found in the pulp of ripe bananas and plantains.
Lectin is a carbohydrate-binding protein that can be found in varying amounts in most plants, including beans, pulses, grains, fruits and vegetables (eg, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, berries, watermelon), nuts, coffee, chocolate, and some herbs and spices (eg, peppermint, marjoram, nutmeg).
Yes, blueberries are lectin-free and some of the best fruits you can have on a low-lectin diet. Wild blueberries are the best because they are lower in sugar and more nutritious.
Oatmeal has a higher lectin content than other foods and typically contains gluten and a few antinutrients. Oatmeal also contains a lot of starch and carbohydrates, which can cause an increase in blood sugar and weight gain. As a result, it can't be a healthy option for a ketogenic, carb-free, or lectin-free diet.
Eggs Eggs too are included in the lectin-free way of life, but must be pasture-raised.
Along with anti-inflammatory properties, sweet potatoes have plenty of gut-friendly fiber, especially if you eat the skin. They are a mixture of soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol and balance glucose, and insoluble fiber, which helps keep your bowels healthy and regular.
The Problem With Lectins
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. [2] Milder side effects include bloating and gas.
Studies show that boiling legumes, soybeans, and even kidney beans (which have extremely high lectin levels when raw), greatly reduces and often completely eliminates lectin activity.
Chickpea is a protein rich edible legume with several bioactive compounds that includes lectin as well.
Cow's Milk: As a reminder from chapter 2, almost all products from cow's milk contain a lectin-like protein called casein A-1, so avoid ice cream, yogurt (even Greek yogurt), and cheese.
Broccoli – Not all vegetables have lectins. Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are also lectin-free. Asparagus, celery, garlic, and onion are a few others.
Most types of fruit – especially goji berries, cherries and blackberries (seasonal fruit is thought to be lower in lectins). Most types of vegetables – especially butternut squash, pumpkin and 'nightshade vegetables' like: peppers, tomatoes, aubergine, and potatoes.
Sweet potatoes contain potassium. A high potassium intake may not be suitable for people who take beta-blockers. Doctors commonly prescribe these for heart disease, and they can cause potassium levels to rise in the blood. People with kidney problems should also take note of how much potassium they consume.
Antioxidants Aplenty
Purple-fleshed sweet potatoes are thought to contain super-high levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. As these substances pass through your system, they balance out free radicals -- chemicals that harm your cells.
If your sweet potato is oozing, soft and squishy, discolored, smelly, or have a bunch of sprouts, it's time to toss. If there are only a few sprouts and the sweet potato is still firm you can cut the sprouted portion off, cook and eat right away, or you can plant it!