Is Phytic Acid That Bad?: Dr.Berg

Phytic acid is beneficial for your health.

Timestamps:
0:00 Phytic acid is beneficial for your health
1:05 This is why phytic acid isn’t harmful
2:19 Cook half your vegetables, but eat half raw. I explain why.
3:05 Here’s what can happen if you accumulate too much iron

In this video, I explain about phytic acid and phytates. They’ve gotten a bad rap as an anti-nutrient, which is a myth. In fact, phytic acid is a very powerful antioxidant found in nuts, seeds, and the fiber around rice, grains, and beans along with some vegetables. It’s there to protect the seed from growing.

It’s true that when you consume too much phytic acid it can block your zinc, iron, and other minerals. I’ll focus on nuts and seeds, because if you’re on a ketogenic diet you won’t be consuming those other food items (except for the vegetables).

If you consume some nuts and seeds, as well as vegetables, you won’t get too much phytic acid. Your gut bacteria make an enzyme called phytase, which breaks down phytic acid. Your body actually has the capacity to break down excess amounts of phytic acid. If you eat seeds and nuts on a regular basis, your body will make more phytase.

The vitamin C in the vegetables you consume helps you absorb iron, which otherwise could be blocked by phytic acid. As well, the beta carotene in vegetables helps with iron absorption, so the phytic acid in those vegetables isn’t a concern. And when you add meat to your vegetables, you increase iron absorption too. Cooking or steaming your vegetables decreases phytic acid. So, cook half of them, but eat half of them raw because you get benefits both ways.

Cooking your vegetables decreases the so-called antinutrients; eating them raw gives you more enzymes. Fermenting them, such as with sauerkraut or pickles, also decreases phytic acid.

Most people have too much iron as they get older. This is especially true for men. Our bodies have a difficult time getting rid of excess iron, yet we’re able to absorb it. If you’re taking an iron supplement along with eating iron-fortified bread or pasta, you could accumulate too-high levels of iron. It can go into the liver and cause cirrhosis, or go to your pituitary gland, affecting your gonads and causing your testosterone to go low.

Additionally, too much iron can get into the pancreas and cause diabetes, or into the brain and cause dementia. Too much iron isn’t good! And phytic acid will help keep you from absorbing too much of it.

Dr Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 56, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

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Disclaimer: Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The Health & Wellness, Dr. Berg Nutritionals and Dr. Eric Berg, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this video or site.

Thanks for watching!

Phytic acid is good for you, contrary to its myth as an antinutrient.