Once having decided on proper nutrition, then it will be impossible to refrain from carefully studying the labels for the presence of a variety of food additives. For example, if the products have E391 (phytic acid), then what will be the benefit and harm from their use, and is it worth buying at all? Immediately I will not say for sure, so I'll have to look at the problem from different angles.
Benefit and harm of phytic acid
We must understand that this component is not the result of the work of a mad scientist in a distant laboratory, but refers to the gifts of nature. Products containing phytic acid surround us every day, mainly legumes and cereals. And once you completely can not exclude this element from your diet, it is worth knowing how it affects the body.
Phytic acid has been studied relatively recently, but now it is actively used in the manufacture of medicines, and also used in peeling procedures. Its advantage for the latter procedure is in the ability to gently eliminate the top layer of the skin without deep damages leading to the appearance of irritations. Also, this acid was used as a food additive and for clarifying the wine. But the latest scientific work has told that phytic acid in foods can not only benefit, but also harm, so while it is recommended not to use it in the number of food additives. The main danger is the ability of a substance to bind minerals, not allowing them to digest, as a result of which the body may experience deficiency of the most important minerals. True, studies of products containing phytic acid are not yet complete, so it is too early to talk about the degree of negative effect of the element. Anyway, now it is recommended to reduce its consumption to a minimum in the presence of serious diseases, children under 6 years and pregnant women. So it is worth at least to know where the phytic acid is contained.
Most of it in sesame and beans, but in potatoes and spinach is almost none. Also this element is found in most croups, nuts and legumes. But there is good news - the effect of this substance can be significantly reduced or even neutralized. Of course, in the human body there is an element for counteracting the acid - phytase, but it is very small, so it is worthwhile to use the auxiliary actions. This is the application of natural leaven during baking, germination of grains and soaking of cereals in acidified water or milk. It seems that our ancestors guessed about the content of cereals such an insidious substance as phytic acid, because many of the old recipes are based on the same recommendations. In addition, some studies confirm that a balanced diet is also able to help the body cope with the effects of this component, so there is no need to panic about its availability in foods.