What Is Phytic Acid Used For?
Phytic acid is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help to remove free radicals from cells in the body. These are the highly reactive byproducts of cellular metabolism. Left unchecked, free radicals can contribute to the development of certain diseases and cancer.
Foods containing phytic acid are nutrient-dense, overall. For most people, these foods are important to include in a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Oseoporosis
Studies have shown that phytate consumption appears to have a protective effect against osteoporosis. Studying postmenopausal women, those with lower amounts of urinary phytate (indicating less in the diet) were at higher risk of bone loss and hip fracture than women with higher urinary phytate (indicating more in the diet).
Another study found the differences were more marked when comparing women who had greater risk factors for osteoporosis. For these people, a diet higher in phytate may be even more important to help reduce their risks of bone loss and fracture.
What to Look For
Phytic acid is naturally found in the following foods:
Grains: Such as whole wheat, oats, and rice
Legumes: Such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, soy beans, peanuts, and lentils
Nuts and seeds: Such as walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, and sesame seeds
Tubers: Such as potatoes, turnips, beets, and carrots
Cooking, soaking, and fermenting can reduce the amount of phytic acid in foods. Eating a well-balanced diet helps to ensure that you are not ingesting too much phytic acid.
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