Inositol is also referred to as myoinositol. It belongs to the family of vitamin B group in which are all water-soluble vitamins. The absorption of inositol is slow. Inositol is not essential in the human diet so it cannot be considered a vitamin. It plays an important role in the health of cell membranes especially in the specialized cells of the brain, bone marrow, eyes and intestines. It nourishes brain cells and helps metabolize fats and cholesterol. It also may improve the transmission of nerve signals. Cell membranes function is to regulate the contents of the cells, which makes effective functioning possible.
Inositol is useful for promoting healthy hair, hair growth, and helps in controlling estrogen levels and may assist in preventing breast lumps and also it is beneficial because it reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Inositol is available from both plant as well as animal sources. It is found in many sources such as milk, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, lecithin granules, dried Lima beans, beef brain and beef heart, desiccated liver, bananas, lecithin oil, liver, brown rice, oat flakes, nuts, cereals, citrus fruits, unrefined molasses, green leaf vegetables, raisins, whole grain bread and soy flour.
The plant form of Inositol is phytic acid, which can bind with minerals and so affect their absorption negatively. According to research, foods containing the highest concentrations of myoinositol (including its compounds) include fruits, beans, grains and nuts. Beans and grains, however, as seeds contain large amounts of Inositol as phytate. It is also available in supplement form and is touted as a natural remedy for treating various health conditions.
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