Phytase is a phosphatase enzyme that catalyzes, or kickstarts, the hydrolysis of phytic acid, also known as phytate. Phytic acid is a form of indigestible phosphorus that’s present in plant-based foods such as cereal, wheat, and various grains. Roughly two-thirds of the phosphorus present in plant foods is bound in the form of phytic phosphate. Through the hydrolysis reaction, phytase liberates phosphorus so that the body can use it. (more…)
Absorbing enough vitamin B12 is a concern for many people. A plant-based diet, age, gastric surgery, gastrointestinal disorders, and pernicious anemia are all factors that can affect B12 absorption. In most cases, a B12 supplement can put you back on track. Which one should you choose? Here are some facts to help you decide. (more…)
Your body is a complex network of interconnected organs that perform individual functions to support the systems and processes that make up your existence. Respiration, digestion, bone regeneration, metabolism — they’re all examples of your body’s ability to function with machine-like precision. That functionality exists at the most basic level as well — your cellular level. Lungs, brain, stomach, bones, blood — everything — is comprised of cells. Cells are the microscopic components that make up organisms and they, like your body, are a collection of various components that work […]
Fats are a highly varied macronutrient group, and they're present in both animal and plant-derived foods. At nine calories per gram, fat is the most dense source of calories required by the human body.[1] However, not all fats are created equally and it’s crucial to pay attention to which types of fat you include in your diet.[2] Some fats are healthy, some are fairly neutral, while others are actively detrimental to your health. (more…)
The thyroid is essential to some of the body’s most critical processes, including the development of the nervous and skeletal systems.[1] For the thyroid to function normally, it must receive the right nutrition, and that means getting enough selenium. Selenium is an essential mineral[2] and being deficient can lead to serious health concerns such as Keshan disease[3], myxoedematous cretinism[4], Graves’ disease[5], and even thyroid destruction.[6] (more…)
