In this weeks video health tip, Dr. Matthew Davis, director of Crossroads Chiropractic, shares important information looking at the pros and cons of eating foods rich in lectins.
Lectins are abundant in raw legumes and grains, but are also found in dairy products and certain vegetables.
Lectins in plants are a natural defense against microorganisms, pests, and insects.
We need to be aware that there are a few of these lectins that we should not be consuming.
For example, eating raw kidney beans, which contain very high levels of a particular form of lectin known as, phytohaemagglutin, may an lead to a form of lectin poisoning, leading to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The good news is that there are approximately only five bean sources that would cause this response and as humans, and typically we would not eat raw legumes.
Low doses of lectins may be beneficial by stimulating gut function, decreasing obesity and limiting tumor growth.
In 1963, researchers at Mass General discovered that the lectin in whole wheat could distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells, by clumping together the tumor cells, while the normal cells were left almost completely alone.
In a petri dish study, kidney bean lectin almost completely suppress the growth of human head and neck cancer cells, liver cancer cells, breast cancer cells, and cervical cancer cells, all within about three days.
In fighting colorectal cancer, researchers showed that the lectin in fava beans could take colon cancer cells, and turn them back into looking more like normal cells.
This might explain why dietary consumption of beans, split peas, chickpeas, and lentils appears to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, based on 14 studies involving nearly two million participants.
There is research indicating that by cooking or even fermenting these high lectin foods can decrease the levels of hazardous lectins to insignificant amounts, allowing us to safely consume these beneficial foods.
Eating an organic wholesome diet that includes grains and legumes will keep you on the path to good health and well being.
Remember your best source for everything health is your chiropractor. It’s never too early or late to see the team at Crossroads Chiropractic. Visit Sharpsburg Chiropractor, Crossroads Chiropractic regularly and make sure your nervous system is functioning 100%.
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