Episode 37 - Are Plants Toxic?

Plants don't want to be eaten because plants can't run away from predators the same way animals can, they protect themselves by producing toxic chemicals and compounds.

Looking back, we know our predecessors ate some plant foods but they were eaten as survival foods. Also, indigenous groups would prepare plant foods to help render them less toxic - like fermentation.

One of the most common plant anti-nutrients are lectins - which are sticky proteins that attach to other foods molecules and cause inflammation. Lectins can be found in sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, beans, legumes, grains (wheat, barley, and oats) and nightshade vegetables. You want to limit your consumption of these foods because they are pro-inflammatory and could damage your gut and trigger your immune system.

Oxalates are another chemical found in plants which could cause formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. High oxalate foods are turmeric powder, kale, spinach, almonds, beet powder and chocolate. You might want to not do a green spinach smoothie everyday. I would recommend using a pressure cooker when preparing beans, and potatoes. Soak nuts, peel and deseed eggplant, and squash and ferment other veggies.

Phytic Acid is another compound found in nuts, grains and legumes. Eating a diet high in phytic acid could contribute to anemia, zinc deficiency, magnesium deficiency and hypocalcemia. 

Plants vary in their toxicity levels for individuals Least toxic: Avocadoes, berries, squash, cucumbers, apples, oranges, olives, honey, dates

And

Most toxic: Beans, Legumes, leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, nightshades, nuts, seeds, grains, coffee and mushrooms

I hope this opens your mind regarding plants and how they could be causing inflammation and gut issues for some people.

Thanks for listening!

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