In part 1 of my article series on grains, I wrote about gluten and its connection with many health hazards, such as tissue inflammation, running down the immune system and unwanted fat storage (especially in the belly area due to high cortisol release).

In this article I’m going to explain the role of phytates and how many foods, including grains, contain this supposedly nutrient robbing substance.

What are phytates?

Phytic acid, also known as phytates in its salt form, are antioxidant compounds found in chief dietary foods such as whole grains, legumes, soy and some nuts and seeds. Wait! Did you say antioxidant? I thought antioxidants are good for you? You’re probably asking yourself this right now. Well yes, antioxidants are good for you, but not phytates! Imagine an evil twin of an antioxidant, that’s what you can call a phytate.

Why are phytates a hazard to your health

Phytic acid or phytates have a well devised plan of nutrient thievery as soon as they enter your gut. They interfere with the absorption of key minerals such as zinc, manganese and calcium. Phytates when entered into the gut, have a binding mechanism to these minerals and rob your body from optimal absorption from these key micronutrients. Phytates can also damage your gastrointestinal tract and immune system.

Phytates & grains-stay the hell away from them!

The foods most abundant in these anti-nutrients are wholegrains, legumes, soy foods and nuts & seeds. For now I’m going to focus on just purely wholegrains for the sake of this article. I am anti legume and soy as they have many other health problems that these foods contribute to, however nuts and seeds are less risky as they are higher in nutrients and can be soaked or roasted to destroy these phytates.

Phytates are actually not of much concern for someone who follows a healthy diet and lifestyle. I am strictly referring to someone who follows clean eating habits leaning towards the Paleo style, which is a diet rich in animal protein, fruits and vegetables and nuts and seeds. The average Westerner does not even come close to this! Every day grain consumption is through the roof! Couple this eating habit with other high processed food intake, high trans fat intake, low organic food intake and your body has no mineral source to out absorb what the phytates are robbing from your body.

So, if you follow the paleo habits and eat clean, phytate consumption here and there is ok. But if your kitchen is filled with processed canned food, boxed cereals, hydrogenated vegetable oils and bread; I suggest you rethink how you conduct your shopping in the supermarket.

Mineral deficiency symptoms and grain connection

Interested to know what mineral thievery can possibly bring out in your body?

Well lets have a look shall we:

Zinc thievery: Zinc is one of the most important, and I repeat, IMPORTANT minerals in your body. Not enough zinc in your body can contribute to low testosterone, weak immune system, poor brain function, impaired nutrient absorption, digestive issues and overall every day performance.

Calcium thievery:  Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Poor calcium intake can contribute to cardiovascular problems, poor nerve transmission, muscle cramps and poor sleep.

Manganese thievery:  Manganese is a very important mineral for development of connective tissue. Deficiency of this mineral will contribute to poor development of bone structures, improper enzyme production and poor glucose management.

So as you can see phytates are not series threats if you are eating high quality foods to replace the minerals that are being robbed. But to be harsh and honest, most people do not eat enough high quality foods and have good enough eating habits these days to counteract the stress from eating to much grains and phytates.

So my suggestion

If you’re too lazy to change your food choices and start eating healthy, you can soak or cook your grains to destroy as much phytates as possible, but in all honesty, just make a simple effort to increase your consumption of free range, grass fed and organic meats, eat more fruits and vegetables, eat small consumption of nuts and seeds, take high quality fish oil regularly and you will be on your way to healing your body from grain induced disease and epic fat storage!

Stay tuned for part 3 on article series on grains

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