Benefits of soaking nuts and seeds

Benefits of soaking – Nutrients, digestion

Nuts and seeds are rich in nutrients that are essential to life, sucha as vitamins, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6). If you prepare the nuts and seeds you will get the best of the best. Buy raw nuts and seeds and soak them in water overnight. The soaking will start the germination process, which makes the nuts and seeds much more nutritious. Their nutrients will be more readily available. Another important benefit from the soaking process is that nuts and seeds become easier to digest.

Soaking increases vitamin B, C and carotenes

Soaking nuts and seeds in water neutralizes the enzyme inhibitors and can increase vitamin B, C and carotenes (pre-vitamin A). The soaking also neutralizes qhytic acid that inhibits absorpiton of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Complex sugars are broken down from soaking and a portion of the starch in the seed is transformed into simpler sugars. Aflotoxins are also inactivated.

How to soak the nuts and seeds

• Soak the nuts and seeds overnight in a large bowl, and then rinse them well in the morning. Since the soaked water will contain the acidic enzyme inhibitors, be sure to rinse the nuts and seeds well after soaking. Then place the nuts and seeds on a tray. Dehydrate them in the sun or with a dehydrator set at 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) for about 18 to 24 hours. Then store the dried nuts and seeds in jars with lids.
• If you are unable to dehydrate the nuts or seeds, then only soak an amount that you can be sure to use within two or three days. Store them in the refrigerator without a lid so that air can get to it. Remember to rinse them at least once a day with fresh water. Be sure to use these nuts within a few days, since mold tends to set in within days.

Nuts are heart friendly

If you are one of those thinking that nuts are unhealthy because they are high in fat, then you should know that they mostly contain heart-healthy unsaturated fat and may help lower “bad” cholesterol. The fat, protein and fiber in nuts also help you feel full longer. Just limit your portion to a healthy handful. Some great choices include almonds, cashews, flaxseeds (ground), peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.