# Does Quinoa Have Lectins?

## Overview
If you are following a low-lectin diet, you may be curious about whether quinoa contains lectins.

### Key Point: Does Quinoa Contain Lectins?  
- **Short Answer**: Yes, quinoa does have lectins, but they are present in very small amounts before preparation.  
- **Details**: A study testing three types of quinoa (red, white, and black) revealed low lectin levels, approximately 26 ± 6. For comparison, black beans can have over 20,000.  

## Lectins and Preparation
- **After Processing**: Once cooked (boiled), no lectins were detected in the quinoa.
  - Black and red quinoa were boiled for 15 minutes.  
  - White quinoa was boiled for 20 minutes.  
- It remains uncertain whether trace lectins persisted after preparation but fell below detectable levels.

## Scientific Context
- Quinoa belongs to the scientific classification *Chenopodium quinoa Willd.*  
- It is considered both a whole grain and a seed.

## Source
- According to "Lectin Foods Base" [link to their resource](https://lectinfoodsbase.com/quinoa-high-low-lectins/), quinoa generally has a low lectin profile when prepared correctly.