Why should you avoid pulses in your diet?
At Evolutive Clinic we're committed to giving you the best evidence-based information to improve your health. Today we want to talk about a controversial but important topic: eating pulses and their effect on your levels of essential minerals.
Pulses, seeds and phytic acid: a hidden problem
Pulses and seeds contain large amounts of phytic acid. This compound is known for its ability to bind essential minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, preventing them from being absorbed in the human gut. A recent randomised clinical trial showed alarming results: it compared 2 groups. The first ate clams with beans and the second ate clams alone, without pulses. Participants who ate beans showed a significant drop in blood zinc levels, while those who ate only clams saw those levels rise.
What does this mean for your health?
If you want to keep healthy levels of zinc, magnesium and iron, it's crucial to rethink how many seeds, grains and pulses you eat. The phytic acid in these foods can bind these minerals in the digestive tract, stopping your body from absorbing them properly.
Is there a solution?
A common way to reduce phytic acid in pulses is to soak them for 24 hours before cooking. Although this technique helps lower the content, it doesn't remove phytic acid completely.
Evolution and adaptation: the case of the human gut
It's worth noting that the human gut evolved for more than 100,000 years without eating foods rich in phytic acid. Unlike some birds, such as pigeons, our digestive system hasn't developed defences against this compound. That's why, for many experts in evolutionary health, pulses and other grains should be eaten in moderation or even cut out of the diet.
Conclusion
At Evolutive Clinic we believe a diet in tune with our evolution can bring significant health benefits. If you're concerned about keeping optimal levels of essential minerals such as zinc, magnesium and iron, consider cutting down on or avoiding pulses and grains. As always, we recommend talking to a health professional before making significant changes to your diet.
For more information and tips on how to optimise your health through the right diet, visit our blog regularly and follow us on social media.
This article is for general information and does not replace an individual assessment by a healthcare professional. If you have a medical diagnosis or treatment, speak to your doctor before making any changes.
Physiotherapist, PNI and nutrition specialist. Director of Evolutive Clinic.
