What’s Phytic Acid—and Why Does It Matter?
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What’s Phytic Acid—and Why Does It Matter?
You’re doing your best to eat clean, fuel your body, and get more out of every meal. But there’s something hiding in a lot of healthy foods that might be blocking your gains—phytic acid.
It’s not dangerous. In fact, it’s completely natural. But if you’re trying to optimize how you feel, digest, and absorb nutrients, it’s worth understanding what phytic acid is—and why we go the extra mile to remove it in every Good Form Foods product.
🧪 What Is Phytic Acid?
Phytic acid (also known as myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) is a naturally occurring compound found in seeds, nuts, legumes, and grains. It serves as the plant’s storage form of phosphorus, helping it grow into a new plant.
But for humans, phytic acid behaves differently.
It binds to important minerals like:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Calcium
This “binding” means your body can’t absorb those minerals effectively—a process called mineral chelation. Over time, especially in diets high in nuts, legumes, or whole grains, this can contribute to nutrient deficiencies, lower energy, or poor gut function (1).
🧠 Should You Be Avoiding It?
Not necessarily. Phytic acid isn’t bad—it actually has antioxidant properties and may offer some health benefits in moderation. But context matters.
If you:
- Rely heavily on plant-based foods
- Have low iron, magnesium, or zinc levels
- Struggle with digestion or fatigue
- Eat lots of unsoaked grains/nuts
… then reducing your phytic acid intake could help improve nutrient absorption and overall health.
💧 How We Minimize It at Good Form Foods
Our answer: soaking and sprouting.
By soaking our walnuts in salt water before dehydrating, we reduce the phytic acid content and activate enzymes that make nutrients more bioavailable. Studies show that sprouting can cut phytic acid levels by 20–50% depending on the food and time (2).
This step isn’t common in commercial nut butters—but it’s one we’ll never skip.
✅ Why It Matters
You deserve to get the most out of your food—especially the “healthy” stuff. That’s why we started Good Form Foods: to create gut-friendly, nutrient-dense snacks made the right way.
👉 Want to feel the difference?
Try our sprouted walnut butter here. Three ingredients. No shortcuts. Always soaked.