How To

How to Avoid Phytic Acid

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By Carmen Diaz
eHow Contributing Writer

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Phytic acid is a substance in foods that come from plants, such as: corn, wheat, rice, soy beans, cereals, nuts, grains and seeds. While it is considered a phytonutrient, it also chelates, or makes the body get rid of important minerals, like calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc causing mineral deficiencies. Mineral deficiencies affect normal body functions causing a myriad of disorders of the skin, teeth, nervous system, bones and birth defects. Phytic acid makes grains difficult to digest and cause indigestion. Here we will explain a few simple steps you can use to lower the phytic acid content of these foods.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

warm water
whey, yogurt, kefir or lemon juice
a clean cloth
clock
collander

How to lower the phytic acid content of foods

Step 1

Place the food item in a bowl with an equal part of warm water. The water's temperature should be between 45 and 55 degrees. (slightly above body temperature)
Step 2

Add an acidic ingredient to the water to achieve a pH level of 4.5 to 5.5. The best to use are whey, yogurt or kefir. Use about 2 tablespoons per cup of grain. You can substitute it with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Step 3

Cover with a clean cloth to keep insects out.
Step 4

Soak in a warm spot from 2 to 12 hours. (Twelve hours is ideal.)
Step 5

Strain using a collander.
Step 6

Cook the food.