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Originally Posted by Mich  .... Now I have to go look up anti-nutrients.... |
Basically anti-nutrients are toxins in plant food, that are there to stop animals eating it. Potatoes, for example, are a food source for new seedlings. And it is not in the plant's interest that they should be eaten by animals. So they have evolved to contain toxic substances. This is why raw potatoes are poisonous. They have to be cooked to neutralise these toxins and make potato safe to eat. Anti-nutrients in potato include :
Solanine - (Gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammation of kidney, binds metals, decreased iron absorption, inhibits enzymes)
Protease inhibitors - (Inhibition of trypsin and chymotrypsin, decreased digestion of protein)
Phenols - (Decrease availability of trace elements)
Flour is another case in point. If you eat the stuff raw, you get very sick! Seeds are intended for propagating the species, and their consumption is discouraged by the inclusion of powerful anti-nutrients. Anti-nutrients are mostly detoxified by cooking but it is thought that there is still some residual action.
Anyway, Michael Eades regards resistant starch as an anti-nutrient. I can't see why as it doesn't seem to have an adverse effect on the consumer, but I am looking forward to his blog on the subject.
