The Lectin-Free Diet

We see it happen with celebrities all the time—miraculous-seeming weight loss in what seems like no time. Naturally, we wonder what their secret is because, for most of us, gaining weight is much easier than shedding pounds.

While the key to their success might be access to a personal trainer, they more often than not laud the "magic" of a new, viral diet. Lately, everybody's been discussing the lectin-free diet, made popular by the book The Plant Paradox.

If you haven't heard of this diet, you're probably wondering how eating plants could possibly be unhealthy.

Advocates for this diet say it combats gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, allergies, mood problems, autoimmune disease symptoms and helps you lose weight. That's because it limits intake of lectins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins found in many plant-based foods, including beans, grains and nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

Singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson says she lost nearly 40 pounds in two months from following this diet and walking a lot, but people are still skeptical about whether this diet works or if lectins are actually harmful.

It's important to note that no scientific studies support the idea lectins are bad for you. In fact, some dieticians argue that foods with high-lectin content, like beans, are often cooked—which destroys lectins anyway.

Experts also generally agree that beans are a great source of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. They might even help you live longer. For example, people who live in Blue Zones (places where people consistently live to be 100 years old) eat four times as many beans as most Americans.

And beans aren't the only things on the lectin-free "no-no" list that are generally accepted as being healthy. Whole grains are also cut out of the diet, though they are rich in nutrients that lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

So, if going lectin-free isn't the answer, what is?

If you're looking to eat more healthily, try the Mediterranean diet. This diet contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish and olive oil. It has been associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The diet may also promote weight loss, improve brain function and aid in longevity.

While it's tempting to follow what's popular, it's important to find what's best for you and your health. That's why it's vital to talk to your doctor if you feel unwell after eating. Those symptoms could be due to an allergy, food intolerance or an underlying condition that has nothing to do with your diet, such as gastrointestinal disease.

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