BUZZWORD Anti-nutrients
These are natural compounds in plants and animals that block the absorption of nutrients. Glucosinolates in cruciferous veg like kale can prevent iodine absorption, while tannins in tea and coffee can hinder take-up of iron. Harvard School of Public Health has just reviewed antinutrients and advises that the benefits of eating foods that contain them probably outweigh the negatives. “Eating a variety of nutritious foods daily and avoiding large amounts of a single food at one meal can help to offset minor losses in nutrient absorption caused by anti-nutrients.”