What Are Phytates? And Do You Need to Avoid Them?
If you’re a plant, you need phosphorus to grow healthy seeds, flowers, and roots. And you store that phosphorus in a compound known as phytate. If you’re a human being, you’ve probably heard that phytates are bad for you since they block the absorption of essential nutrients. But is that true? Should you avoid phytates? Do they have redeeming qualities? Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood compound.