Tag: Processing techniques

Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) are naturally occurring compounds in many plant-based foods that can interfere with the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. While a balanced diet minimizes their impact, understanding these compounds is key to maximizing nutritional intake from whole foods. The presence of these substances is a natural plant defense mechanism against predators.

By one account, the human body uses 20 different amino acids to make proteins. In its most basic sense, raw protein is made of these fundamental building blocks, which form long chains that fold into unique structures. This minimal processing retains more of the natural enzymes and nutrients compared to heavily refined alternatives.