PHYTATES
Let's Talk About Phytates - The Nutrient Thieves in Your Food
Hey there! Ever wondered why your grandma insisted on soaking beans overnight? Or why traditional cultures went through so much trouble preparing their grains? Well, let me tell you about these sneaky little compounds called phytates.
What's the Deal with Phytates?
Think of phytates as nature's little security guards for plants. They help plants store minerals, especially phosphorus, which is super important for when the plant needs to grow. Pretty cool for the plant, right? Well, here's where it gets interesting...
The Plot Twist
When we eat foods containing phytates, they turn into something like tiny mineral magnets in our gut. They grab onto important minerals like:
- Iron (you know, the stuff that keeps us energized)
- Zinc (hello, immune system!)
- Calcium (strong bones, anyone?)
- Magnesium (your muscles' best friend)
And once these minerals are grabbed, they're basically stuck - your body can't use them anymore. It's like having a really clingy friend who won't let anyone else hang out with you!
Where Are These Little Troublemakers Hiding?
You'll find them hanging out in:
- Whole grains (especially that "healthy" brown rice)
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Corn
- Soy
Basically, a lot of the foods we're told are super healthy. Ironic, right?
Why Should You Care?
If you're loading up on these foods without proper prep (especially if you're vegetarian or vegan), you might be setting yourself up for:
- Feeling tired all the time (thanks to iron being blocked)
- Getting sick more often (zinc is crucial for immunity)
- Not getting the most from your "healthy" diet
- Digestive issues (nobody wants those!)
The Good News!
Here's the cool part - our ancestors figured this out ages ago! They weren't scientists, but they knew what worked. Here's what you can do:
1. Soak your beans and grains
(Yep, grandma was right all along!)
2. Try sprouting
(It's like letting the food start to grow a tiny bit - sounds weird, works great)
3. Get friendly with fermentation
(Kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods are your friends)
The Bottom Line
Look, you don't need to freak out about phytates or cut out all these foods. Just take a page from traditional wisdom:
- Soak your grains and beans
- Mix up your food sources
- Include some fermented foods in your diet
- Maybe don't go crazy with the "super healthy" whole grain everything
Remember: A little preparation goes a long way. Your body will thank you for it!
P.S. Next time someone asks why you're soaking your oats overnight, you can blow their mind with your phytate knowledge. Just maybe don't get as excited about it as I do - apparently not everyone finds mineral-binding compounds as fascinating! 😉
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Russell Maher
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PHYTATES
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