You must get rid of lectins

The best way to reduce lectins in pumpkin seeds is by using heat, such as baking, or by using water-based methods like soaking, sprouting, or fermenting, as these processes deactivate or remove the water-soluble lectins. Soaking the seeds in water with a small amount of apple cider vinegar or salt for several hours, followed by drying or roasting, is an effective method for reducing lectin content. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]  

Methods to Reduce Lectins 

• Soaking: Place raw pumpkin seeds in water with a tablespoon of salt or apple cider vinegar and soak for at least 7-24 hours. Soaking helps make nutrients more bioavailable and reduces antinutrients like lectins. [1, 5, 6]  

• Roasting: After soaking, spread the seeds on a baking sheet and bake them at a low temperature (105-150°F or 150°F and below) for 12-24 hours until completely dry and crispy. Roasting with high heat inactivates lectins. [2, 3, 5, 7]  

• Sprouting: Sprouting seeds can also significantly reduce lectin levels by activating enzymes and breaking down antinutrients. [1, 3, 6, 8, 9]  

• Fermentation: Fermenting pumpkin seeds helps beneficial bacteria break down lectins, reducing their levels in the seeds. [1, 3, 4]  

• Rinsing with water: Since lectins are water-soluble, simply rinsing the seeds thoroughly under cold running water can help remove some of the surface-level lectins. [2, 10]  

Tips for Preparation 

• Remove Seeds and Pulp: When preparing seeds from a whole pumpkin, you can separate them from the stringy pulp by hand or by letting the pulp dry and rubbing it off before washing the seeds. [11, 12]  

• Consider Your Goal: If your goal is to eat pumpkin seeds and reduce lectin impact, cooking (especially baking or roasting) is a very effective strategy to deactivate the lectins. [3, 8]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.drlanawellness.com/new-blog/2023/5/23/the-truth-behind-lectins[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxHk2_XgIzM&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD[3] https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/should-you-eat-a-lectin-free-diet.h00-159695178.html[4] https://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-lectins[5] https://beatrizalbina.com/soaking-beans/[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/soaked-vs-roasted-which-is-the-best-way-to-consume-pumpkin-and-melon-seeds/photostory/121709579.cms[7] https://lowcarbabode.com/how-to-soak-nuts-and-seeds-to-easily-remove-anti-nutrients/[8] https://genuinehealth.com/blogs/genuine-hub/what-are-lectins-should-i-avoid-foods-containing-them[9] https://www.moneycontrol.com/health-and-fitness/plant-based-foods-heres-how-to-reduce-antinutrients-in-your-daily-diet-with-soaking-sprouting-article-12801515.html[10] https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/roasted-pumpkin-seeds/[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=404G2c5bRtM[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOMK6NmJ84c

Henry McClure  
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