Do sunflower seeds prevent absorption of other nutrients?

AndrewBrown

Will 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds for dessert block absorption of salad, vegetable, and steak for dinner?

AndrewBrown

Does the same apply to kidney beans, corn, and peas?

Susan_RD_101

Hello @AndrewBrown ,

Our bodies ability to absorb and assimilate nutrients from food is termed "bioavailability". The bioavailability of nutrients is influenced by our individual health and nutrition status, as well as what foods and beverages we consume together.

Many plant foods contain "phytates" or "phytic acid", which is essentially where the plant stores phosphorus. Unfortunately, phytates or phytic acid can make it harder to absorb nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc. However, absorption of these nutrients would only be a concern on a vegan diet, where intake of phytic acid is high. That said, the impact of phytic acid can be reduced by consuming vitamin C, and sprouting, soaking, or fermenting the grain/seed.

Personally, I don't think that your consumption of sunflower seeds would have any significant impact on the bioavailability of the foods you suggested.

Kind regards,

AndrewBrown

Do you have any concerns about this?

Susan_RD_101

@AndrewBrown

Looks pretty healthy and balanced to me! (Although, I hope this is just one meal and not everything you ate in the day).

Kind regards,