Support for Mental Well Being

Inositol Background and Benefits

Inositol, chemically known as cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol, has the chemical formula. The most abundant of the nine forms or stereoisomers of inositol in nature is cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol, commonly referred to as myo-inositol.
Myo-inositol performs many important functions for eukaryotic cells, which include all plants and animals. It serves as the structural basis for cell messengers, especially inositol phosphates. It is also a component of phosphatidylinositol and other phospholipids used to build cell membranes. Plants use inositol hexaphosphate, also known as phytic acid, as a means of storing phosphates.
 
Pure inositol does not occur in nature in significant amounts. However, the lipids and phosphates associated with inositol are found in many foods, particularly oranges and melons. Phytic acid is an inositol phosphate found primarily in cereals with high bran content. Seeds, nuts and beans contain inositol though it is not digested without cooking by humans. Lecithins are also a common source of inositol, which is relatively easy to digest in raw form.
 

Uses of inositol

One of the most common uses of inositol is to relieve panic attacks. It can also help with the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is common in overweight women. Other problems that inositol can help with include obsessive-compulsive disorder.