Why You Might Want to Soak Your Nuts and Seeds Before Eating Them - Benefits of Soaking Nuts & Seeds

Many of us consume nuts for their healthy fats and good source of protein. But many of us do not know how to properly prepare nuts so that we can better digest them.

Nuts have phytic acid. Phytic acid is also found in grains and legumes. Just like grains and legumes, soaking nuts is essential for proper digestion. When eatind nuts that haven't been soaked, the phytic acid binds to minerals such as iron and zinc in food and prevents us from absorbing them. Nuts also contain lectins and enzyme inhibitors, that put some people’s stomachs through the ringer. By Soaking, you are breaking down the phytic acid and neutralizing the enzymes allowing for proper absorption and digestion.

Here are some basic techniques to increase the nutrient bioavailability of nuts and seeds:

• Buy raw, organic nuts or seeds.

• Measure 4 cups of nuts or seeds, soak almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts in enough filtered water to cover the nuts. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt to the water, the salt neutralizes the enzymes. Let them soak overnight or a minimum of 7 hours, with the exception of cashews, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, these should be soaked for no more than 6 hours. If you are soaking pecans or walnuts add only 2 teaspoons of sea salt. And 4 cups of pumpkin seeds require 2 tablespoons of sea salt.

• Right after they’re done soaking, you can do one of two things: refrigerate the soaked nuts and consume within 24 hours OR dry them. The best ways to ensure they will dry all the way through is to lay them out in a single layer and place them in a warm oven on the lowest possible setting, ideally not more than 120 degrees. If you have a dehydrator or don’t mind investing in one, that’s a good route to go as well.

• Dehydrate for 12-24 hours or until crisp.

• ENJOY! Not only does this maximize the nutrients, but it also enhances the flavor in the walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, or whatever nut/seed you choose!

A handful of nuts properly prepared each day should be fine for most people in the context of a mineral rich diet. Ancient cultures across the world knew better when it came to eating these foods and always practiced these techniques before consumption. Once again, never underestimate traditional wisdom!

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Why You Might Want to Soak Your Nuts and Seeds Before Eating Them - Benefits of Soaking Nuts & Seeds