Saponins

Saponins are glycosides found in many plants, consisting of sapogenins and sugars. They foam in water like soap and are thought to have beneficial health effects, such as the ability to lower cholesterol levels. They occur in quinoa, soybeans, and legumes, where rinsing or processing reduces their bitter taste. At high levels they can be antinutritional, so food processing aims to reduce them to palatable, safe levels. Traditional diets using these plants developed preparation methods that manage their bitterness. Breeders also select varieties with lower, more palatable saponin levels.