Contents:
- Medical Video: Healthy Foods that Can Actually Harm You with Guest Dr. Steven Gundry
- What is a lectin free diet?
- How to apply a lectin free diet?
- What are the benefits of applying a lectin-free diet?
- But, is it safe to apply for a long time?
Medical Video: Healthy Foods that Can Actually Harm You with Guest Dr. Steven Gundry
After the trend of a gluten-free diet, a new diet style emerged called a lectin free diet. This diet method requires you to avoid eating foods that contain lectins. However, what is lectin and why should it not be eaten too much? What are the benefits of the lectin diet and how do you apply it to everyday life? Find all the answers to your questions in this article.
What is a lectin free diet?
Lectin is a type of protein that binds to carbohydrates and is found in various foods. Lectins cannot be digested by the body, so the form of this substance will not change even though it has entered the digestion.
If consumed in small amounts, lectins play an important role in boosting the immune system. Even a number of studies state that this substance can help kill cancer cells.
However, unfortunately if too much is consumed, lectins can actually have a bad impact on the body. One side effect of most consumption of high-lectin foods is diarrhea and vomiting. Experts also say that lectins can inhibit the absorption of several other nutrients in the body.
But in some cases, there are people who have just eaten a small amount of lectin that has experienced digestive disorders. Therefore, a lectin-free diet appears for people who have sensitive digestion.
How to apply a lectin free diet?
This diet requires you to avoid foods that contain high lectins such as:
- Vegetables: tomatoes, eggplant, and chili
- All types of beans, from red beans, soybeans, to peanuts
- Milk and milk products
- Bread, cakes and biscuits
Meanwhile, you can eat other foods that contain low lectins, such as:
- Vegetables: onions, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots
- Fruits: apples, strawberries, oranges, lemons
You can also eat food sources of animal protein, such as beef, chicken, fish and eggs.
What are the benefits of applying a lectin-free diet?
This lectin-free diet is specifically applied to people who have sensitive digestion. By applying this diet, the benefits that can be obtained are:
- Reduces abdominal pain and bloating
- Reducing the risk of injury to the digestive organs, such as the intestine
- Reducing the risk of food poisoning due to too much lectin
Some people also state that this can help you lose weight, but it's still confusing.
But, is it safe to apply for a long time?
Not many medical studies have been conducted to test the effectiveness and safety of the lectin diet in humans. Most studies that revolve around this diet are carried out in animals. So, further research is still needed in humans to find out what benefits and impacts might occur if you do it.
This diet is also still considered controversial because it is rather difficult to do. Because, limiting the number of nutrients from many food sources can disrupt the balance of your nutritional needs. In fact, the more varied your food is, the better and more nutrient-rich you have.Therefore, if you want to apply a diet like this, you should first consult a nutritionist or related medical personnel.
