Transition Artist

Oats and oat milk have become health food staples. They’re marketed as wholesome, natural, and heart-healthy. But peel back the label, and the truth is a little more complicated.

The Oat Problem

Oats are often sprayed with glyphosate—a pesticide linked to health concerns. Even organic oats can contain lectins, plant compounds that may cause digestive issues in some people. And oat milk? It’s far from a natural drink. Most store-bought versions are ultra-processed, loaded with gums, oils, added sugars, and sometimes preservatives.

The Problem with Lectins

Oats naturally contain lectins—a type of protein some plants produce to defend themselves. In your body, lectins can bind to the lining of your gut, disrupting digestion and contributing to inflammation, bloating, and even “leaky gut” in sensitive individuals.

While some people tolerate lectins just fine, others may experience fatigue, brain fog, or immune responses after regularly eating high-lectin foods like oats, legumes, and nightshades. If you’ve been struggling with stubborn gut issues, oat-based products might not be as harmless as they seem.

Meet Buckwheat—Your Gut-Friendly Swap

Despite its name, buckwheat isn’t wheat at all. It’s a gluten-free seed packed with benefits:

• High in fiber and protein
• Rich in minerals like magnesium and zinc
• Contains rutin, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health
• Naturally low in lectins
•  Easy to digest

I’ve fallen in love with homemade buckwheat granola—crunchy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. It’s a perfect topping for yogurt, a grab-and-go snack, or even breakfast cereal.

Skip the store-bought oat-based granolas filled with sugar and additives. Instead, make your own clean, nutrient-rich buckwheat version.