What do lectins do in our body?
Jan Meriss Alfonso Assistant at Ike Cella Nutrition Coaching Lectins are protein-rich substances that attach to carbohydrates in our guts. They slow down digestion, weaken the gut lining, and can result in chronic inflammatory conditions. This article will explore the effects of lectins on our bodies and discuss the benefits and risks of these molecules. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins Lectins are a class of proteins that attach to carbohydrates in other molecules. They are found in plants, animals, and fungi. They also occur in viruses, bacteria, crustaceans, and insects. A variety of studies have been conducted on lectins to better understand their functions. Plants use lectins to defend against insects, fungi, and other predators. Some lectins are produced in response to pathogenic attacks, while others bind to chitin proteins in bacteria, fungi, and insect exoskeletons. Plant lectin activity may also contribute to the successful spread of seeds, as it hel...