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Almonds are high in fiber and contain a chemical known as phytic acid, neither of which the body can digest or absorb. While the body cannot digest these chemicals, fibers are important for gut health, and research has shown that phytic acid has antioxidant properties.
It is a well-accepted fact that almonds are good for you. They contain many essential micronutrients, such as iron, vitamins B2 and E, zinc and calcium, amongst many others, and also have antioxidant properties.
However, about 5-10% of almonds are indigestible by the human body. A cup of almonds contains 16-17 grams of indigestible nutrients. What parts of almonds are impossible to digest completely? And how can something indigestible still be beneficial to the body?
Why Can’t We Digest Almonds Completely?
Almonds contain fibers and phytic acid. Both constitute a significant amount by weight in many nuts. Every 100 grams of almonds contain about 12 grams of complex dietary fibers. The concentration of phytic acids in almonds can reach up to 9.4% of the total weight.
These two nutrients pass through the digestive tract relatively untouched and are excreted in much the same form that they come in.
What Is Phytic Acid?
Phytic acid is a complex organic compound found in abundance in many plants, such as those that give us cereals, legumes, oil seeds and nuts. Plants convert all the extra phosphorus available to them into phytic acid. The plants can later break down phytic acid to release the stored phosphorus for their use.
However, humans do not have the enzyme required to break down phytic acid.
What Are Fibers?
Fibers are long-chain carbohydrates that consist of monomeric sugar units, such as glucose, fructose and galactose.
Unlike digestible carbohydrates, like starch, fibers cannot be broken down or absorbed into the body. The human digestive system doesn’t have enzymes to break the chemical bonds (beta-glycosidic linkages) that define plant fibers.
They travel down the system and are excreted in their original form.
Also Read: Why Can’t We Digest Fibers?
What Does Phytic Acid Do In The Body?
Even though we can’t digest phytic acid, it is still an important chemical. One of the most beneficial properties of phytic acid is its antioxidant effect in the body.
Free radical oxidation in the body causes the death of cells, and consequently, aging. Antioxidants are molecules that stop and remove the free radicals from causing damage to the cells of the body. By chelating these minerals, phytic acid forms phytates with them. This stops the damage these molecules would have otherwise caused.
The antioxidant effect of phytic acid means that it can prevent reactive oxygen species from damaging the body’s DNA. Preventing DNA damage in turn prevents the uncontrolled growth of cells (cancer). While drugs containing phytic acid and its various forms are still under study for potential anti-cancer properties, research has provided evidence that the micronutrient could prevent cancerous growth.
Additionally, this molecule might also help in reducing high cholesterol levels. Studies show that phytic acid may be the casuse behind the anti-diabetic and cholesterol-lowering qualities of almonds.
Despite not being digested, and preventing the uptake of certain micronutrients, phytic acid still has plenty of benefits.
Also Read: What Are The Benefits Of Chewing Food More?
What Do Fibers Do In The Body?
Though we can’t digest fibers, they’re a crucial part of our diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of fibers is around 25 grams per day. RDA is the average level of nutrients needed to meet the nutrient requirement of a healthy individual. This level is decided for every nutrient and mineral by the National Academy of Medicine.
Fibers help us regulate bowel movements. It has immense water absorptivity and shows cation exchange properties. The end of the large intestine is specialized to absorb large quantities of chloride and sodium ions. Fiber helps in promoting this ion exchange.
Hence, dietary fiber is important for the metabolic functions of the lower digestive tract.
Conclusion
Almonds are dried fruits that contain significant amounts of micronutrients required by the body. They also contain two key ingredients that are indigestible by the body, but are still beneficial to a great degree.
The first indigestible chemical in almonds is fiber, which is commonly found in a number of fruits, vegetables and plant seeds. Fiber is extremely important for gut health. It helps in the proper digestion and excretion of food, and also contributes towards water absorptivity in the large intestine.
The second indigestible chemical is phytic acid, the main storage form of phosphorous in plants. Phytic acid is also found in cereals and oilseeds. It may be indigestible in humans, but it does demonstrate antioxidant properties inside the body.
Thus, even the indigestible parts of this nutritious dried fruit are important for individuals. Almonds not only provide necessary fats and vitamins, but also help in other critical functions of the body!
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References (click to expand)
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