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What To Know About Antinutrients



Antinutrients are naturally or synthetically occurring compounds found within certain foods that inhibit the bodies proper absorption of other nutrients.

There are multiple different types. Here are the different categories of anti nutrients and what foods fall under these categories:


Almonds contain phytic acid.
Almonds contain phytic acid.

Phytic Acid: Binds to calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, chromium, and manganese and make them nonabsorpable. It is also a digestive enzyme inhibitor which prevents proper digestive breakdown of foods. It inhibits pepsin and trypsin (which are used to digest protein), and amylase (which is used to break down starch). This can cause a mineral deficiency for people and increase a risk of diseases like fibromyalgia, rickets, and osteoporosis etc. over time. *Source 1


Food Sources:

Macadamia Nuts

Walnuts

Pine Nuts

Almonds

Sesame Seeds

Black Beans

Pinto Beans

Lentils

Oats (read more on the dangers on oats and what to do about it here. COMING SOON****)

Rice

Potatoes

Beets

Carrots

Spinach

Broccoli

Kale

Peppers

Eggplants

Tomatoes

Tea

Seed oils

Grains


Many teas are high in tannins.
Many teas are high in tannins.

Tannins: Can cause issues digesting nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, and some mineral ions and amino acids and nutrients in foods. *Source 2


Food Sources:

Green Tea

Tea Leaves

Cocoa Beans

Chocolate

Asparagus

Blackberries

Grapes

Pomegranates

Blackberries

Raspberries

Apples

Pears

Persimmons

Nuts

Almonds

Walnuts

Hazlenuts

Pecans

Beans

Lentils

Spinach

Kale

Cinnamon



Raw broccoli contains goitrogens.
Raw broccoli contains goitrogens.

Goitrogens: Prevents iodine absorption, affecting thyroid from functioning properly. This causes hormone imbalances and poor thyroid functioning which can also lead to mental decline, increased risk of dementia, heart disease, weight gain, obesity, fetal developmental delays during pregnancy and increased risk of bone fractures. *Source 3


Food Sources

Broccoli

Cabbage

Kale

Cauliflower

Brussel Sprouts

Collard Greens

Turnips

Radishes

Bok Choy

Rutabagas

Cassava

Bamboo Shoots

Sorghum

Sweet Potato

Millet

Corn

Beans

Mustard

Peanuts

Soy

Strawberries

Peaches

Raw grains can be high in lectins.
Raw grains can be high in lectins.

Lectins: Prevents absorption of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc. Can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, bloating, diarrhea and can also cause red blood cell clumping. *Source 4


Food sources

Quinoa

Buckwheat

Oats (read more on the dangers on oats and what to do about it here. COMING SOON****)

Corn

Legumes/Beans

Dairy Products

Potato

Tomato

Eggplant

Pepper


Alkaline Water: Drinking alkaline water daily, excessively can interfere with electrolyte balance which can cause metabolic alkalosis a condition which harms kidneys. *Source 5


Excess water intake: Can interfere with nutrient absorption. *Source 7



What can be done to reduce exposure to these so you can absorb the most nutrition possible from your meals:



Phytic Acid

Heating, soaking, fermenting and sprouting reduce phytic acid content in food. Here is another helpful article to find more about this.

Another thing mentioned in it is that "Vitamin C appears strong enough to overcome phytic acid. In one study, adding 50 mg of vitamin C counteracted the phytic acid load of a meal.

In another study, 80 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) counteracted 25 mg of phytic acid."-Ryan Andrews, Precision Nutrition. *Source 8


Tannins

Boiling, sprouting, fermenting or soaking, slow cooking. *Source 9 and Source 10.

For tea/beverages it is recommended to steep them for short periods of time and choose low tannin varieties. *Source 11


Goitrogens:

Boiling, steaming and fermenting are the best ways to cut the goitrogen down in foods.

It is also recommend to consume more iodine which helps regulate the thyroid. This can be found in iodized salt, cheese, milk, and some saltwater fish. *Source 12


Supplementing with selenium is also suggested. The recommended daily allowances of selenium supplementation can be found here. *Source 13 and Source 14


Lectins:

Boiling, soaking, choosing BPA free canned versions of these foods. *Source 15


Alkaline water:

Adding a dash of sea salt to water can increase electrolytes.

Adding lemon and lime to your drink with a dash of salt can additionally increase electrolyte absorption.

Mixing 1/2 cup coconut water to a drink of water and adding a dash of salt.


**Be careful not to overdo electrolytes. Excess electrolyte consumption is linked to

confusion, irritability, irregular heart rate, breathing difficulties, fatigue, headaches,

muscle cramps, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting.

It is suggested 1-2 glasses of electrolyte drinks a day is enough for a proper balance. *Source 17


Excess water:

It is recommended not to consumer over 32oz (equivalent to about 1 liter) per hour. *Source 18

According to Mayo Clinic, the average woman should aim to consume approximately 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of water per day and the average male should consume 15.5 (3.7 liters) of water per day. *Source 19


Disclaimer: I am not a certified medical expert and therefor not liable for any of the information above, just a researcher with a collaboration of this information.

Please always consult a medical professional before trying any of the recommended suggestions.



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