# High & Low Lectin Seeds Summary

## Introduction  
Seeds are often considered healthy, even superfoods, but when it comes to lectins—a type of protein that can act as an anti-nutrient—the content in seeds varies. According to Lectin Foods Base ([link](https://lectinfoodsbase.com/high-low-lectin-seeds/)), understanding which seeds are high or low in lectins is key, especially for those following a low-lectin diet.  

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## High Lectin Seeds  
- **General Finding**: Seeds are more likely to contain lectins compared to other parts of the plant.  
  - **Examples**:
    - Seeds in fruits like gooseberries, grapes, and jackfruit have shown lectin activity, even when the fruit itself usually doesn't.
  - **Reasoning**:
    - Seeds often resist digestion and are designed to pass through an animal's gut intact, aiding in ecosystem seed dispersal.  
  - **Context**:
    - Lectins in seeds relate to their natural defense mechanisms and anti-nutritive properties, which may diminish or disappear with sprouting.  

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## Low Lectin Seeds  
Some seeds have shown no lectin activity in research, making them more compatible with a low-lectin diet.  
- **Examples of Low Lectin Seeds** (based on Lectin Foods Base research):  
  - **Pumpkin Seeds**: Popularly eaten raw, sprouted, or baked, particularly around Halloween.  
  - **Hemp Seeds**: No lectins detected; often used in vegan protein powders.  
  - **Linseed**: Uncommon but low in lectins.  
  - **Chia Seeds**: Known for their gelling property in drinks, also lectin-free.  
  - **Poppy Seeds & Sesame Seeds**: Common in baking (e.g., bagels) and cooking, lectin-free.  

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## Eating Seeds on a Lectin-Free Diet  
- **Positive Nutritional Attributes**:  
  - Seeds often contain healthy fats, fiber, and micronutrients like magnesium.  
- **Reducing Anti-Nutritive Properties**:  
  - Sprouting seeds (like pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed butter) can significantly reduce anti-nutrients while maintaining health benefits.  
- **Fruits with Seeds**:  
  - Avoid fruits with lectin-rich seeds, but consider the small proportion of seeds compared to total fruit. In some cases (e.g., cucumbers), removing seeds may be a feasible option.  

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