What about legumes?
This is a question that has landed in my e-mail box at least 130 times.
"Legumes - a source of carbohydrates or proteins?"
And this is the question that usually accompanies the first one.
😎 Today we will answer them... And you probably won't like it.
Legumes - in general
Legumes are a very popular food, especially among those who don't eat meat or among those who "don't like" meat (yes, women, I'm looking at you). In addition, they also have a strong place in some healthy food pyramids.
Legumes are often labeled as healthy because they contain fiber and protein, and unlike that "bad meat," they are not of animal origin.Â
The fact that they are a favorite food is, let's say, logical. Historically, pulses became a popular food because they were cheap (like flour) and available, and could be made into a variety of meals to feed a family of 80 - why have just one child when you can have 15 and you can split up to one whole bun between them. That's probably why some still cultivate this love for legumes.
That they have their firm place in the pyramids of healthy food and in some even as the basis of food is beyond my understanding. Considering that bread and pasta are also in the basic part of the healthy food pyramids, I think we can agree that the creator of this pyramid was either a big joker or had a taste for experimenting with drugs.
Not seriously. Healthy food pyramids were mostly created at a time when fat became the #1 main enemy and it was necessary to replace it with something. Carbohydrates, of course. Ideally, even those with gluten included, so that the doctors have enough work.
We will explain that they are healthy. It is true that they contain fiber. As well as many other things. And the fact that they contain proteins, even if incomplete (= they do not contain the entire spectrum of amino acids), we can also take as a truth. After all, if we forget about detoxification and the immune system , you can (survive) even from incomplete proteins.
Legumes - problems
We will finally get to more practical things.
Legumes are particularly problematic due to their lectin content . Lectins are proteins that bind carbohydrates. Lectins are produced by plants for their protection against natural "pests" such as insects or fungi.
So lectins are not bad. If you are a plant...If you're human, it's even worse. Most lectins create inflammation and advanced glycation end products . Glycation is a process in which sugars form a bond with a protein or lipid (fat) without enzymatic control. In the bloodstream, this binding then causes a decrease in the flexibility and functionality of these proteins and later blood vessels. The result is various cardiovascular diseases, nervous system disorders, etc.
In addition, lectins in the body cause a substantial autoimmune reaction and can penetrate into the interior of cells and subsequently destroy them . At the same time, high consumption of lectins causes the permeability of the digestive tract and,  as you already know  , the result of this process is nothing that can be called healthy (e.g. another autoimmune reaction, food intolerances, fungal and yeast diseases such as candida, etc.)The result of excessive consumption of legumes and therefore excessive intake of lectins can be thyroid disorders, arthritis, diabetes and all diseases associated with a damaged digestive tract (so all of them).You cannot completely eliminate these negatives even with processes such as soaking, cooking or fermentation (besides, I can already see how someone ferments their lentils). Legumes still defend against attacks. Insects, but also humans.
Legumes - a source of carbohydrates or proteins?
As you probably already know, I do not recommend legumes primarily for the reasons mentioned above. Increased inflammation and damage to the digestive tract are not things I want to support. Especially if 99% of clients who contact me have increased inflammation and a damaged digestive tract anyway.
However , after incorporating a suitable strategy to reduce inflammation and repair the digestive tract, it is possible to include legumes - like everything - once in a while. If you need them.
It is certainly not necessary to suffer from the fear that if you eat legumes once in a while (1-2 times a month), the world will collapse. As with every meal .
In this case, I recommend taking legumes as a source of carbohydrates. Some contain more carbohydrates (60-70%), some less (30%), but carbohydrates still predominate and especially incomplete proteins cannot be counted as a source of protein. Aside from the fact that you're eating legumes exceptionally, it really doesn't matter if it's as a source of carbohydrates or protein. In short, enjoy them.
There are still entrenched half-truths and untruths in society, such as, for example, that meat is unhealthy and legumes are healthy, that for detoxification it is enough to use some vegetable juice, that it is necessary to have small dinners or not to eat after 6:00 p.m., that fruit is always healthy in unlimited quantities or , that you cannot influence the "genetically given" fat on your thighs or belly.
However, these half-truths and untruths do not apply to my clients  . They enjoy eating without unnecessary restrictions, all-day hunger, and in addition, they have more energy for ordinary daily duties or pleasures .
If you want to enjoy these benefits in the same way that someone around you is already enjoying them, now you have to chance to change your lifestyle
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For more qestions do not hesitate to contact us.......