Keeping a Watchful Eye – Anti-Nutrition
Some plants have anti-nutritional factors that can interfere with the absorption of nutrients or can even be toxic. Furthermore, some foods contain hidden animal-based ingredients that you may be unaware of.
Rhubarb
Shouldn’t be consumed after June because its oxalate levels increase.
Manioc or Cassava
Should be soaked to get rid of its cyanogen.
Potatoes
Should not be eaten once they’ve started to sprout because of elevated levels of glycoalkaloid (a toxin) and nitrates. Avoid storing them too long, and keep them in the dark to help prevent germination.
Soy Beans
Contain a natural toxin called a trypsin inhibitor which can stop proper digestion. The toxin is destroyed by proper cooking, so when using dried beans, soak them overnight and simmer for three hours before eating.
DID YOU KNOW?
The beta carotene in carrots and tomatoes is more bioavailable when cooked.
Hidden Animal-Based Ingredients
While meat, eggs, and dairy milk are easy to identify, there are other foods where the presence of animal products is not so obvious. To respect your guests’ wishes, double-check the following ingredients as requested.
Hidden Dairy Ingredients
- Coffee creamer and some alternative dairy sources. May contain casein from milk.
- Bread and baked goods. May contain whey from milk.
- Protein powder. May contain whey from milk.
Hidden Animal Ingredients
- Gelatin, pudding, marshmallows and gummy candies. Gelatin is made with bone or hides and is a common ingredient in confections.
- Soups. Check label for bone broth.
- Breads and baked goods. Check label for L-cysteine, used as a dough conditioner derived from animal sources.
Hidden Egg Ingredients
- Sauces, salad dressings, meringue.
Other Animal Products
- Honey
