John Myers
The reason for this is that nuts and seeds – especially if you eat them raw on a regular basis – can have an impact on digestion. The substance phytic acid, which is eliminated by soaking, is not all bad. Therefore, the negative properties are marginal with low consumption, but not if you eat nuts, seeds or grains more often.
So, soaking nuts, seeds, and grains makes sense if you eat these foods frequently, especially when they are raw. However, if you only eat cashews, macadamia, sunflower seeds & Co. from time to time, then you can neglect to soak.
The reason why soaking nuts is recommended is to reduce their antinutrient content. Antinutrients or inhibitors are plant compounds that reduce the body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients such as minerals or protein.
What nuts should be soaked?
Thus, here we refer especially to the soaking of almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and sesame and sunflower seeds. You can also soak cashews, not to eat directly (not the best way to eat them), but to make a delicious sauce.
How are walnuts and almonds activated?
Soak between 6 and 12 hours, in abundant water (they must be raw nuts, not roasted and seeds for germination). Change the water 2 or 3 times. Rinse well and drain. They can be consumed now!
How long do you soak walnuts for?
Lentils: soak between 4 and 8 hours, without activating agent. Almonds: between 8 and 12 hours, activated in salted water. Hazelnuts and pecan nuts: between 4 and 8 hours, activated with water and salt. Walnuts: between 4 and 8 hours, activated with lemon or vinegar.
Why is it better to soak almonds?
By soaking them, we can more easily remove that brown shell that covers it and which, in turn, acts as an inhibitor of the natural enzymes of the almond itself. In addition, we make them softer and easier to chew and digest.
What happens if I don’t soak the almonds?
The hard texture of almonds can make it difficult to digest, soaking them softens them and thus makes it easier for the body to break them down. Raw almonds have a slightly bitter taste due to their tannin content.
How to consume soaked almonds?
Soaked almonds favor the release of digestive enzymes that will help us absorb their nutrients much better. Placing the almonds in water for at least 8 hours helps release the enzyme lipase, a very powerful component that helps us digest fats.
