Page 20 - Spring2010

ingredients in processed supermarket foods as safely over the winter, but a potential problem
well as vegetarian “health foods.” when we want to eat those seeds, grains and
The organ in greatest danger is the pancreas. beans. The way phytates deactivate the life force
When protease inhibitors keep the pancreas is by binding tightly with minerals. In order for
from producing enough trypsin and proteases, seeds to leave their dormant phase and begin to
the body compensates by increasing the number sprout and grow, they are planted in warm, moist,
of pancreatic cells (hyperplasia) and their size slightly acidic soil each spring. 26,27 To eat grains,
(hypertrophy). If this happens here and there, the nuts, beans and other seeds, we are wise to do
pancreas rises to the challenge and then recov- much the same by preparing them in a warm,
ers. However, when the pancreas is stressed day moist and slightly acidic medium.
after day, pancreatitis and even cancer become Advocates for plant-based diets often point
distinct possibilities. 17-19 In the 1970s and 1980s, out the high mineral content of their foods, but
researchers studying protease-inhibitor damage rarely take into account how phytate content
to the pancreas noted that pancreatic cancer had might affect their assimilation of these minerals.
moved up to fifth place as a cause of cancer death Zinc is particularly affected. A component of
28
among humans, and wondered whether there more than three hundred enzymes, zinc affects
might be a soybean-protease inhibitors con- every function in the body. Growth, immunity,
nection. 20-22 Recently pancreatic cancer moved wound healing, mental health, intelligence, di-
up to fourth place as a cause of cancer deaths gestion, blood sugar regulation , thyroid function,
in men and women in the United States, a weight, sex hormones and skin are all adversely
23
fact underscored to the American public by the affected by zinc deficiency.
deaths of actor Patrick Swayze of Dirty Danc- Iron loss through phytate blockage can lead
ing fame and Randy Pausch of Carnegie-Mellon to “iron-poor blood” and iron deficiency anemia,
University, who became a hero in the eyes of resulting in fatigue, lethargy, weakened immu-
millions because of his moving Last Lecture. nity and learning disabilities. Iron deficiencies
The fact that this ongoing rise in pancreatic also affect the thyroid gland by reducing the
Phytates cancer has occurred along with a rise in human output of thyroid hormone, which in turn leads
are a consumption of soybeans does not prove cause to lower body temperature, lethargy and weight
gain.
and effect. Indeed, numerous dietary and envi-
29
leading ronmental factors undoubtedly play their parts. Calcium absorption, also adversely affected
cause However, the concurrent increase in pancreatic by phytates, is worsened when these foods are
of poor cancer cases alongside pertinent animal studies processed using alkaline chemicals. Claims that
is suggestive—and sobering.
plant-based diets contain plenty of the calcium
growth, we need for bone building and other functions are
anemia, PHYTATE FOLLIES: TIES THAT BIND seriously undercut when one considers the phy-
Phytates found in beans, grains and other tate content and modern processing methods.
30
immune seeds are anti-nutrients that block proper absorp- In products naturally low in calcium such as soy
system tion of iron, zinc, calcium and other minerals. milk, manufacturers like to boast about added
incompetence They are a leading cause of poor growth, anemia, calcium while remaining mum about phytates.

and other immune system incompetence and other health Finally, phytate-induced mineral deficiencies
woes in Third World countries where plant-based facilitate displacement of needed minerals by
health woes in diets are the norm, and are increasingly a prob- toxic metals, for examples, iron by lead and zinc
Third World lem in First World countries where plant-based by cadmium. 31,32
So what about the phosphorous that is es-
countries and vegan diets are widely considered chic and sential for growth and bones? There’s plenty
healthy.
where In the plant kingdom, phytates serve two of it in beans, grains and other seeds, but 50 to
plant-based primary functions: they prevent premature ger- 75 percent of it’s tied up in the phytates and not
33
diets are the mination and they store the phosphorous that readily bioavailable. Inefficient phosphorus uti-
plants need to grow.
Phytates are valuable lization in humans and animals results in stunted
24-25
norm. to humans because they allow us to store seeds growth as well as other nutritional consequences.
20 Wise Traditions SPRING 2010