What are anti-nutrients?

Antinutrients are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. They are found in some foods like grains, beans, legumes and nuts.

They can even prevent digestive enzymes from functioning resulting in poor absorption of nutrients.

Antinutrients found in plant roots, vegetables, leaves and fruits are in smaller quantities and usually have benefits as opposed to harmful effects.

Polyphenols are a type of antinutrient that are actually beneficial when eaten in appropriate amounts – signifying that all the antinutrient need not be avoided.

Same is the case flavonoids, another group of antinutrients that are found in ‘healthy’ sources, including tea, coffee, wine and certain other whole plant foods.

Unfortunately, even beneficial antinutrients having positive effects can inhibit mineral absorption to some degree but are relatively harmless (and even beneficial) as long as not overconsumed.

In sensitive individuals even ‘good antinutrients’ when eaten in very high concentrations can inhibit digestion of iron, zinc, copper, vitamin B1, enzymes, proteins and starches found in plant foods.

It is best tune in to your own reactions to different foods so that diet can be adjusted accordingly.