Re: IP6

IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) is a very misunderstood compound. IP6 is actually phytic acid, which is found in grains where it functions as a phosphorus source for germination. I have discussed this a number of times in my posts about soy since this is one of the beneficial compounds in soy that the soy naysayers claim is dangerous.

But I have seen a lot of speculation that phytic acid robs the body of nutrients. But this is not quite accurate. Phytic acid actually has a higher affinity for dangerous free iron and heavy metals than it does for beneficial minerals. Furthermore the phytic acid would already be bound to minerals picked up by the plant from the soil, which in short means that it cannot take anything from the body without first releasing what it it is already bound with. So the claim that the phytic acid in grains robs the body of minerals is a complete myth.

Phytic acid's benefits though include being anti-cancer by binding free iron and interfering with carcinogens, lowering cholesterol and other fats, lowering blood sugar by starch absorption inhibition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.