Curcuma longa rhizome lectin, a mannose-binding protein of non-seed portions of turmeric, is known to have antifungal, antibacterial and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.
Lectins are also found in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Other sources of dietary lectins are chocolate, coffee, and some spices, including caraway, nutmeg, peppermint, marjoram and garlic.
Lectin, a defense protein with mannose specificity was purified from fresh rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) by affinity chromatography. Purified fractions of lectin showed agglutination with rabbit erythrocytes. SDS PAGE analysis revealed the presence of 15 KDa ginger rhizome lectin.
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.
As lectins reach the small intestine, they can bind to receptors on the intestinal cell lining and cause damage. Larger amounts of lectins are found in certain plant foods like legumes, wheat, seeds, nuts, and some fruits and vegetables.
Lectin-free fruits include pomegranates, lemons, beets, blackberries, blueberries, apples, plums, sweet oranges, tangerines, and dates.
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.
Eggs Eggs too are included in the lectin-free way of life, but must be pasture-raised.
Usually I only recommend green bananas to eat. But here's a healthy way to use to ripe bananas: Banana Tea. All the potassium nutrient benefits, none of the sugar. Slice both ends off, boil in 3 cups of water for 15 minutes.
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 lowest lectin content options are asparagus, garlic, celery, mushrooms and onions. 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.
Does turmeric have lectin? Turmeric, a commonly used food, spice, and coloring agent, does contain lectin. Like in many other plants, turmeric contains lectin for binding and stabilization properties. Specifically, it contains Curcuma longa rhizome lectin, a binding protein of turmeric's non-seed parts.
Onion (Allium cepa), a bulb crop of economic importance, is known to have many health benefits. The major objective of the present study is to address the immunomodulatory properties of onion lectin (A. cepa agglutinin; ACA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Beets, for example, are dirt cheap and really low in lectins. Learn how buying one-ingredient foods costs less.
Dark leafy greens and lectin-free vegetables. Gundry-approved nuts like walnuts, macadamia, or pistachios.
Do almonds contain lectins? Yes, almonds contain lectins. But the lectins are in the skin of the almonds, which can be removed. Also, you can find almonds that are already blanched (have their skins removed).