lectins
Carbohydrate-binding proteins
Lectins are proteins found in plants, animals, and microorganisms that bind to specific carbohydrates.
In plants, they're concentrated in seeds, grains, and legumes—beans, lentils, wheat.
Some lectins are toxic when consumed raw; proper cooking neutralizes them.
In nutrition discourse, lectins are sometimes blamed for digestive problems or inflammation, though evidence for widespread harm is limited: Some diets recommend avoiding lectin-rich foods.
Protein bonded to carbohydrates
- galactoseMonosaccharide from lactose breakdown
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- specificityExactness of detail
Edible pod-bearing plants
- beansEdible pod seeds
- lentilsSmall edible legume seeds
- peanutsEdible underground legumes
- soybeansProtein-rich Asian legume
chickpeas · wheat · tomatoes · potatoes · nightshades · grains · seeds · nuts
Plant phosphorus compound
- saponinsFoaming plant glycosides
- oxalatesSalts of dicarboxylic acid
- tanninsAstringent plant compounds
- malabsorptionFailed intestinal nutrient uptake
soaking · sprouting · fermentation · cooking · deactivation · preparation
glycoprotein
Protein bonded to carbohydrates
legumes
Edible pod-bearing plants
soybeans · chickpeas · wheat · tomatoes · potatoes · nightshades · grains · seeds · nuts · dairy
phytate
Plant phosphorus compound
malabsorption · soaking · sprouting · fermentation · cooking · deactivation · preparation
inflammation
Protective tissue response
- autoimmuneBody attacks itself
- cytokinesImmune signaling proteins
- Biochemicalsamino acid, amino acids, protein, proteins, DNA
- food hazardspathogens, toxins, parasites, viruses, bacteria
- plant defensesthorns, spines, trichomes, toxins, latex
- Plant Toxinsricin, oleander, foxglove, deadly nightshade, nightshade
- glycobiologyN-acetylglucosamine, N-glycan, deglycosylation, glycosyltransferases, UDP-glucose
- Immune Moleculesantibody, antigens, complement, interleukins, complement proteins