# Main Categories of Lectin Foods

## Overview
According to Lectin Foods Base ([source](https://lectinfoodsbase.com/main-categories-of-lectin-foods/)), lectin-rich foods can be grouped into five main categories. These categories include seeds, grains and pseudo-grains, legumes, nightshades, and dairy. The focus here is to provide a framework for understanding which food groups are likely to contain more lectins and why they might affect individuals differently. If specific lectin foods may cause issues, an elimination diet is often recommended to identify personal sensitivities.

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## 1. Seeds
- Seeds are highlighted as one of the most protected types of plant foods, mainly because they are critical for a plant’s reproduction.
- To ensure survival, seeds often contain plant toxins, including lectins, which help deter consumption by animals or insects. These toxins may also make seeds resistant to digestion (e.g., animals expelling undigested seeds).
- When exposed to water and proper growth conditions, seeds begin to sprout, reducing plant toxins and increasing the availability of nutrients.
- Common seed examples include cashews (technically a seed), flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

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## 2. Grains & Pseudo-Grains
- Grains and pseudo-grains are another major lectin category. Pseudo-grains resemble grains in structure and use but are technically not classified as true grains.
- Many grains, such as wheat (commonly found in bread), and pseudo-grains, like rice and oats, typically contain higher levels of plant toxins, including lectins.
- These foods are considered common sources of lectins in the average diet.

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## 3. Legumes
- Legumes are well-known lectin-containing foods and often linked to digestive sensitivity issues.
- Examples include peas, beans, and peanuts.
- Notably, raw beans have such high lectin levels that consuming them could lead to lectin poisoning. Cooking substantially reduces the lectin content, but trace amounts may still remain.

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## 4. Nightshades
- Nightshades are a lesser-known category of food increasingly recognized for their higher lectin content.
- Examples include tomatoes, potatoes (excluding sweet potatoes), and peppers.
- Nightshades are sometimes associated with dietary sensitivities and adverse reactions due to their lectin levels.

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## 5. Dairy
- Dairy is one of the more widely recognized lectin-rich food categories, alongside grains.
- Types of dairy include cheese, milk, and butter.
- The effect of dairy on individuals can vary significantly. For some, certain dairy products may be tolerable, while others could cause issues. Quantity also plays a factor in potential reactions (e.g., small vs. large portions).

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## Key Takeaway
Each of these categories is associated with varying lectin levels, influencing how they may affect individuals differently. According to Lectin Foods Base, an elimination diet is recommended as a personalized approach to determine which foods might work for or against someone’s dietary needs.