Saponins are anti-nutrients found in legumes. They are so called I’ve learned because they foam up like soap when shaken in water. Saponins are a chemical defense for plants against microbes and fungi.
According to Robb Wolf, author of The Paleo Solution, notes “saponins are so irritating to the immune system that they are used in vaccine research to help the body mount a powerful immune response.” I have found that for me it has really helped to eliminate legumes including beans, my favourite peas, and chia seeds. Saponins are also found in soy products, amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, lentils and flax seeds.
What is a saponin? And why your gut may not thank you
