Brown rice also contains lectins, which (just like phytates) bind to vitamins and minerals and prohibit them from being absorbed by the body. While whole grains are great in theory, the fact that they contain phytates and lectins make them difficult to digest and also act as an anti-nutrient to the food you eat.
The thing is, whole grains like brown rice and wild rice, are higher in lectins than the refined grains that have been stripped of their hull ( the hull is very lectin-heavy). But, the stripping process that refines grains like white rice happens at extremely high temperatures.
Cooking, especially with wet high-heat methods like boiling or stewing, or soaking in water for several hours, can inactivate most lectins. [6] Lectins are water-soluble and typically found on the outer surface of a food, so exposure to water removes them.
There are three ancient grains considered lectin-free and gluten-free: sorghum, millet, and teff.
White rice does not contain phytates or lectins (read more later on about phytates and lectins). What is this? White rice can be the saving grace for those who are sensitive to fruit, sugar, or other forms of carbohydrate.
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-free fruits include pomegranates, lemons, beets, blackberries, blueberries, apples, plums, sweet oranges, tangerines, and dates.
Eggs Eggs too are included in the lectin-free way of life, but must be pasture-raised.
Brown rice has the bran and germ intact, both of which are responsible for giving it its high fiber. The bran and germ can also irritate the digestive tract, leading to digestive problems like bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and leaky gut syndrome.
If you're a fan of whole grains and wonder which you should choose to include as a part of an anti-inflammatory diet, there's no wrong choice! Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain wheat bread, barley, buckwheat, bulgur and millet are all exceptional options.
Brown rice contains elevated levels of the naturally occurring toxic element, which is present in many foods. It's not enough to cause harm in a typical diet. People who are pregnant, however, may want to limit consumption.
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.
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).
Sauerkraut, yogurt, tempeh, and kombucha are well-known food sources that undergo the fermentation process. The fermentation process has shown to reduce lectin content up to 95 percent.
Which foods are high in lectins? Lectin-containing foods include nightshades, like tomatoes and potatoes; vegetables with seeds, like squash and cucumbers; grains including wheat, rice, and oats; and legumes, including non-pressure-cooked beans, split peas, and lentils.
If consumed regularly, eating potatoes, legumes, grains, and other foods high in lectins and saponins can increase the risk of autoimmune diseases or flares in those who are genetically predisposed. [2] Fortunately, sweet potatoes do not contain these compounds!
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.
Not only are avocados lectin-free, but they're also packed with antioxidants. Avocados are also high in good fats and fiber. Broccoli – Not all vegetables have lectins. Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are also lectin-free.
Does oatmeal have lectins? Yes, oats and oatmeal are high in lectins. But don't worry, there are plenty of delicious lectin-free alternatives to oatmeal. You can make porridge with millet, sorghum, teff, and fonio.
Avoid the following foods as part of a lectin-free diet: meat from corn-fed animals. corn. A1 milk (milk containing the A1 protein)