A Tiger Nuts customer asks about Lectins!

Recently we had a really interesting inquiry from a Tiger Nuts customer who struggles with lectins. And the truth is we did not really know much about the subject at the time, so we did our research and spoke to our growers of Tiger nuts in Spain to try and come up with some answers.

Following is the chain of emails that we hope just might help someone who also struggles with lectins too:

......

Initial inquiry from customer:

Hi !  So I've been all over the internet, trying to find out if Tiger Nuts are free of lectins, and can find nothing.  So I thought I'd reach out to you, being that you're all about the Tiger Nut :) !!!   I know your site mentions that they are allergen free, but I wonder if that includes lectins? Would be INCREDIBLY grateful for any information with regard to lectins ... as I really enjoy the Tiger Nut, but unfortunately have a sensitivity to lectins. 

Our initial response:

Hey ....,

Probably the reason you cannot  find anything about lectins in Tiger Nuts, is that it is our understanding that there are none.

However, just to make sure, we are checking with our Spanish growers and will get a definitive answer for you. 

Yours in Health

Jack

Our 2nd response after discussing with our Spanish Growers

You’re the first person in 4 years that has asked us this question about lectin and a good job you did. Further to your email and contrary to our previous indication to you, we would advise you that all terrestrial surface plants contain lectin therefore Tiger Nuts, which are tubers not nuts, also contain them. Nuts do too, of course. The lectin quantity is small in Tiger Nuts but it is difficult for us to estimate the true percentage included. To be totally safe, sadly we would have to advise that you do not eat them if you have a lectin intolerance.

What a shame. We would have loved to give you better news. Lectin is in so many of the things we eat that it must really limit what you can consume and be a real challenge for you trying to avoid it.

Regards,

Jim

Response from our customer:

Well, I'm very in-tune to lectins as of late, as I recently found that I've a sensitivity to them.  Knowing that Tiger Nuts are tubers, and many tubers contain lectins, prompted my inquiry.  I really appreciate you both, doing the research.  It's a bummer, but truth be told, they may not bother me, it's just something I need to try.  I suspect the peeled ones may be less invasive, being that often times the lectins are found in the protective coating, at least for grains and beans, so perhaps that would apply.  I would just have to try them, and see how I react.  

Sadly my lectin sensitivity, ultimately caused leaky gut syndrome, for which the prebiotic properties of the Tiger Nut would be great for.   Vicious cycle, LOL!

Needless to say, it's been quite the learning experience regarding lectins.   Never heard of them until January of this year, when I was trying desperately to figure out what was wrong with me.   Needless to say, I'm becoming well versed on the topic, LOL!