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Foods High in Inositol | LIVESTRONG.COM

Foods High in Inositol | LIVESTRONG.COM



Last Updated: Dec 18, 2013 |

By Louise Tremblay



Foods High in Inositol




Citrus is high in inositol.

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Inositol, sometimes known colloquially as "vitamin
B-8," is a beneficial nutrient that has been implicated in the

treatment of some behavioral or emotional disorders. Your body can

produce inositol by breaking down glucose, and does not rely on inositol

in your diet. However, your digestive tract can absorb inositol from

the foods you eat; consuming foods high in inositol can boost your

overall inositol intake.




Beans


Foods High in Inositol



Beans

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One type of food high in inositol are beans.

Consuming 100 grams of navy and lima beans provides your body with

approximately 65 and 44 milligrams of inositol, respectively. Beans are

also rich sources of other nutrients including several vitamins and

minerals. Consuming beans increases your intake of dietary fiber to help

prevent constipation. When possible, consume fresh beans, as the

canning process can decrease the inositol content of foods.


Citrus Fruits and Cantaloupe



Foods High in Inositol



Cantaloupe

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A number of fruits also contain inositol.

Cantaloupe and many citrus fruits, with the exception of lemon, serve as

extremely rich sources of the nutrient. For example, an 8 ounces

serving of grapefruit juice contains around 468 milligrams of inositol.

Fruits also contain other beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C,

which helps maintain your skin and blood vessels. Consume fresh fruit to

increase your inositol intake, since freezing, canning and processing

decreases the food's inositol content.






Whole Grain Bread



Foods High in Inositol



Whole grain bread

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Bread made from whole grains can also increase

your inositol content. Each 37 grams slice of whole grain bread contains

around 13 milligrams of inositol. Consuming breads made from whole

grains also benefits your overall health, since the fiber found in whole

grain foods can help regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol, as well

as decrease your risk of diabetes and possibly some types of cancer,

notes the Linus Pauling Institute.


Considerations





Foods High in Inositol



Fruits and vegetables

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Inositol is not an essential nutrient, so it does

not have a recommended intake level, since your body can produce as much

inositol as it needs to function. In addition, many foods -- including

several fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes -- contain phytic acid, a

plant compound converted to inositol after digestion. If you're

interested in modifying your diet to increase your inositol intake, talk

to a registered dietitian to design a meal