Lectin-free diet, he said, is suitable for sensitive stomachs

After the gluten free diet trend, came a new diet style called lectin free diet. This diet method requires you to avoid eating foods that contain lectins. However, what are lectins and why shouldn't you eat large amounts of them? What are the benefits of the lectin diet and how to apply it in everyday life? Find all the answers to your questions in this article.

What is a lectin-free diet?

Lectins are a type of protein that binds to carbohydrates and are present in various foods. Lectins cannot be digested by the body, so the form of this substance will not change even though it has entered into digestion.

If consumed in small amounts, lectins play an important role in boosting the immune system. Even a number of studies claim that this substance can help kill cancer cells.

However, unfortunately if too much is consumed, lectins can actually have a bad effect on the body. One of the side effects 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.

However, in some cases, there are people who have just eaten lectins in small amounts who have experienced indigestion. Therefore, came the lectin-free diet for people with sensitive digestion.

How is the application of a lectin-free diet?

This diet requires you to avoid foods high in lectins such as:

Vegetables: tomatoes, eggplant and chilies
All types of nuts, from red beans, soybeans, to peanuts
Milk and dairy products
Bread, cake 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 adopting a lectin-free diet?

This lectin-free diet is specifically applied for people who have sensitive digestion. By applying this diet, the benefits that can be obtained are:

Reduces symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating
Reducing the risk of injury to digestive organs, such as the intestines
Reducing the risk of food poisoning from too many lectins

Some people also claim that this can help with weight loss, but this is 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 dietary lectins in humans. Most of the research that investigates this diet has been done on animals. So, further research is still needed that is applied to humans so that it is known what the benefits and impacts might occur if you do so.

This diet is also still considered controversial because it is a bit difficult to do. The reason is, limiting a 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 richer in nutrients you have. Therefore, if you want to adopt a diet like this, you should first consult a nutritionist or related medical personnel.