Foods that are rich in Phytic acid

Phytic acid is a natural substance found in plants. It serves as a main storage form of phosphorus.

Phytic acid can give you many health benefits. It can lower your risk of diabetes, cancer and heart attack.  Phytic acid acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Our body uses phytic acid to produce inositol. But too much of phytic acid is not good. Phytic acid binds with other minerals. It binds with minerals like zinc, calcium, magnesium, etc. Eating foods high in phytic acid can interfere with absorption of minerals. This may lead to nutritional deficiency. Thus phytic acid is known as an anti-nutrient. High phytate foods may increase the risk of iron deficiency too.

Wheat bran and flax seeds contain the highest amount of Phytic acid.

Whole grainsare rich in phytic acid.

Almonds and nuts are rich in phytic acid. Soak your almonds before use.

Beans are rich in phytic acid. Soaking beans will help eliminate some phytic acid in it. An enzyme is liberated when the beans sprout. This enzyme helps break down the phytic acid. Cooking also helps to eliminate some phytic acid. Soaking, sprouting and fermentation may reduce phytic acid. Grains should also be soaked and cooked.