On Mon, 14 Jan 2002 19:57:43 EST, Donna Martinez <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

>I am reading Cordain's book..and was wondering if some one can give me a
>more
>"laymen's term" for why legumes are not "suggested". I am trying to
>understand lectins.

I don't have the book yet so I'll have to see what's now to say against
legumes. I know prom previous writings of Prof.Cordaine that he mentiones
the couple of antinutrients which are found in legumes (greatly varying from
one to the other).
Lectins appear to be the biggest problem (see Cordains cereal paper).
Not because they are toxic, but because they seem to be able to attack the
gut walls causing some permeability, under certain conditions. Like
unhealthy gut bacteria.
And could cause some (any) food proteins to enter the bloodstream.
And *this* would be the real problem, probably causing autoimune disease.
It's unclear how and under which conditions this could occur.
But I think it's wise to follow a very traditional regime when eating
legumes. Particularly allow enough of soaking time.

Various legumes are eaten by huntergathering people, so at least some of
them are inside the paleo difinition. Edible raw are Peanuts for example
And  some other, even lentils, are edible raw when sprouted.

Australian aboriginals have a considerable legume part in their diet by
eating acacia seeds, which are a legume species.

A good reading about legumes and paleo at
http://www.naturalhub.com/natural_food_guide_grains_beans_seeds.htm#Domestic
ation of Legumes

Amadeus S.