Protease Inhibitors

Protease inhibitors are a type of antinutrient found in many plants, particularly in the seeds of legumes and grains. Their primary function is to inhibit the activity of proteases—the enzymes (such as pepsin and trypsin) that the human body uses to break down proteins into absorbable amino acids. By neutralizing these enzymes, the plant ensures that its protein-rich seeds pass through the digestive tract of an animal undigested.

For humans, the consumption of foods high in protease inhibitors can lead to protein malabsorption and compensatory hypertrophy of the pancreas, as the organ overworks to produce more enzymes. This digestive strain contributes to the overall inflammatory load of the body. Furthermore, undigested proteins that reach the lower intestine can undergo putrefaction by gut bacteria, leading to the production of toxic byproducts and further damaging the intestinal environment.