One of the biggest problems associated with vegetarian-based diets is the impact on the body of substances called lectins. While you may not have heard specifically of lectins, you’re likely aware of them and their effects; if you’ve ever heard of gluten intolerance and celiac disease then you know about lectin disorders. You can think of lectins as defensive, protective molecules found in seeds and vegetables that are specifically designed by nature to create trouble in any biological organism that is silly enough to try to eat them.

Beans and legumes contain especially problematic lectins, which account for the notorious allergies and digestive problems associated with these kinds of foods. You can pretty much end up with any health challenge you can think of from these lectin substances, particularly skin diseases, mental health issues and immune or auto-immune illness.