Antinutrients have a bad reputation. They are compounds that bind to certain nutrients in food, making it hard for our bodies to absorb the nutrients. However, they are mostly found in plant foods, which are good for us, and it would thus be a mistake to avoid them. There are also compounds in foods that counteract the effect of anitnutrients. Examples of antinutrients include tannins, bitter compounds found in tea, wine, nuts and legumes. Oxalates are found in leafy greens and lectins are present in beans and nightshades. To limit the presence of antinutrients in foods, try soaking, boiling, cooking, sprouting or fermenting them.
Key Takeaways:
- By binding with nutrients in food, antinutrients make it harder for our bodies to absorb these nutrients.
- The plant-based foods that contain antinutrients are generally healthy and should not be avoided.
- Tannins found in bitter foods and lectins found in beans, nuts and grains are examples of antinutrients.
“Supervillainous dietary compounds that sap us of health and strength and are to be avoided at all costs.”
Read more: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/what-are-antinutrients/
