TOXICITY OF NUTS AND OILSEEDS. -ByKajolChavan.

Nuts are seeds or fruits that have a kernel that contains edible oil and is encased in a tough or fragile shell

Nuts have a robust flavor and are very important in commerce. Oilseednuts have a high proportion of fat in addition to being high in protein, as pulses do. They are therefore a concentrated source of energy in addition to being rich sources of protein.

Nuts have a high quantity of B vitamins but minimal noticeable carbohydrates Despite being nutritious, nuts and oilseeds can be hazardous to the body if consumed excessively Nuts contain toxic qualities that can affect the human body in addition to the allergic responses that some people experience

COMMON TOXINS FOUND IN NUTS & OILSEEDS AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE HUMAN BODY:

The aflatoxins are a category of toxic fungi called mycotoxins that grow on raw food products such as oilseeds, groundnuts, pistachios, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, black pepper, figs, maize, etc The greatest quantities are typically found in products from warmer parts of the world where there is a lot of climatic fluctuation in temperature, rainfall, and humidity. Aflatoxin exposure can result in acute toxicity and even death in both people and animals at high enough doses The liver is the main organ damaged, followed by the lungs, kidneys, brains, and hearts Cirrhosis and acute necrosis of the liver are frequent, coupled with bleeding and edema.

Lectins present in some nuts and seeds can irritate the gut lining and create inflammation

Enzyme inhibitors present in some nuts and seeds can prevent the digestion of proteins

The phytic acid present in nuts binds minerals like calcium, iron & magnesium and prevents them from being absorbed.

If nuts are taken in larger amounts coupled with fructose, or fruit sugar, a high level of polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) also contributes to chronic and metabolic disorders including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity