Medicine in India goes back several thousand years. Their methods are often based on the use of natural remedies. To improve their health, Indians eat nuts, including almonds. This nut is very beneficial for the eyes, brain, and many other body functions.
Most people prefer to consume almonds raw or roasted, but soaked nuts provide the greatest benefits. It is very useful for all organs and systems of the body, as it contains many minerals, vitamins and beneficial antioxidants.
What is the difference between soaked almonds and raw almonds?
The main reason is that the soaked nut is much better in taste and texture, as the water softens the outer layer somewhat and makes it easier to consume. This is especially important for older people and children.
The outer brown coating of almonds contains tannins and phytic acid. Soaking the almonds ensures that these two substances do not interfere with the other beneficial components being absorbed properly.
Soaked almonds also taste much better due to the removal of the outer bitter layer.
Potential Benefits of Soaking Almonds
Research shows that soaked almonds may benefit your health.
May be easier to digest
Almonds have a tough, hard texture that can make them difficult to digest ().
However, soaking softens it, potentially making it easier to digest (, ).
Almonds also contain antinutrients that can interfere with digestion and absorption of certain nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium (,).
While research shows that soaking can significantly reduce the levels of antinutrients in grains and legumes, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of soaking almonds or other nuts (,).
In one study, soaking almonds at room temperature for 24 hours reduced phytic acid levels—but by less than 5% ().
Another study found that soaking ground almonds in salt water for 12 hours resulted in a 4% reduction in phytic acid levels ().
Notably, an 8-week study of 76 adults found that soaking did not improve digestive symptoms. In addition, phytic acid levels in soaked almonds were the same or slightly higher than in raw almonds ().
Overall, research is mixed on whether soaking almonds reduces antinutrient levels or helps reduce digestive symptoms.
May increase absorption of certain nutrients
Soaking can make almonds easier to chew, increasing the availability of nutrients.
Research shows that breaking almonds into smaller pieces by chewing or grinding allows more nutrients, especially fats, to be released and absorbed (,).
In addition, digestive enzymes can break down and help absorb nutrients more efficiently (, ,).
However, one study found that soaking whole almonds had little effect on the availability of some minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc ().
In fact, when almonds were ground before soaking, the concentrations of these minerals decreased, even though phytic acid levels also decreased ().
Thus, soaking may aid fat absorption, but may conversely reduce mineral availability.
Some people like soaked almonds better
Soaking also affects the texture and flavor of the almonds.
Raw almonds are hard and crunchy, with a slightly bitter taste due to the tannins they contain ().
Once soaked, it becomes softer, less bitter, and creamier, which may be more appealing to some people.
Conclusion:
Soaked almonds have a milder, less bitter taste than raw almonds. It is easier to digest, which may increase the absorption of some nutrients. However, the evidence is mixed and more research is needed.
How to properly soak nuts?
Soaking almonds is a fairly simple process. All you need is a bowl of water and a few nuts.
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Place the almonds in a bowl and add water until they are completely submerged. Leave for 8-12 hours or overnight. In the morning, drain the water. You can consume the nut with the skin softened or remove it. Dry the almonds with a paper towel.
It is best to consume nuts in the morning on an empty stomach. You can soak almonds in milk to get more nutrients.
Should almonds be soaked in water before eating?
Almonds are soaked to extract the maximum nutrients from the nuts. If you eat dried nuts, then when they enter the body they neutralize some processes in it, which prevents its full functioning.
After eating them, the pancreas enlarges, which is why the body feels heaviness and discomfort after eating, so it is better to soak any nuts before eating.
Did you know? The bitter taste of the nut is given by enzymes located inside the fruit, which prevent premature growth of the seed.
Weight control
Studies show that regular consumption of soaked almonds improves metabolic processes and promotes weight loss.
In addition, this product helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body and acts as a healthy low-calorie snack, satisfying nutritional needs and preventing weight gain. In addition, this product helps reduce the amount of water and fat mass in the body.
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Drying after soaking
After washing, the nuts are placed on a towel and dried naturally. If you want to get the effect of roasted nuts, you can dry them in the oven at 60–70°C. However, properly dried fruits, which can be stored for a long time, are dried at low temperature for 3-4 hours in the oven with the door ajar.
One serving of almonds is 23 almonds, which is 1 ounce, 1⁄4 cup, or about 1 handful.
Almonds are a healthy and tasty nut. Proper preparation for use will allow you to saturate the body with a maximum of useful substances. Just a few pieces a day, and you are guaranteed a boost of energy and mood.
Improves brain function
Almonds are a good source of L-carnitine, which promotes the formation of new brain cells. These nuts are rich in phenylalanine, which is known to improve memory and overall cognitive function.
In addition, the presence of vitamins B6 and E ensures increased protein bioavailability for brain cells. Nuts also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Do I need to wash nuts before eating?
Nuts must be washed before use, especially if they are bought in bulk from the market or somewhere else. Moreover, you need to wash both shelled and shelled nuts.
Firstly, due to the fact that the nuts were lying in the open air, they are simply covered in dust and particles of dirt from the surrounding area, even though this may be completely unnoticeable. They can also contain viruses, bacteria, and even parasite eggs, after all, from people who were near them, breathed on them, touched them with their hands.
Secondly, in order for the nuts to be stored longer, and also to prevent them from being eaten by food moths and other pests, of course, they can be chemically treated in some way.
Therefore, be sure to wash the nuts. And even those that are sold packaged in a store are better, and not just loose from the market. Salted ones fried in oil, of course, should not be washed, and perhaps also those produced by some foreign or our premium brands. But all the rest, which are cheaper, need to be washed - judging by their appearance, these are the same nuts that are sold by weight on the market, just distributed in packages.
Improves heart health
Almonds are rich in magnesium, potassium and protein. All of these substances are beneficial for heart health. When the nut is soaked, it retains all its beneficial properties.
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How to soak
You should take one part of the nuts and pour two parts of hot boiled water, add 1 teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup of almonds. Stir and leave for 12 hours in a place protected from sunlight, you can leave the container overnight. After this, the almond water is drained, the nuts are thoroughly washed and dried.
In general, the soaking time will depend on the structure of the fruit and its size, that is, it can vary. For example, eight hours are enough for walnuts and pine nuts to fully reveal their beneficial properties, and cashews will delight you with their revealed taste after just six. Legumes can also be soaked in a similar way.
Important! The soaked kernels must then be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to two months.
Artificial drying methods
To carry out the fire procedure, special dryers are used.
Air enters the device naturally using powerful fans. The nuts are treated with hot air and heated on each side. It will take a couple of days. For large volumes of raw materials, you can use channel sieves. The nuts are washed, wiped with a cloth and loaded into a device with heated air inside. Moving in the sieves, the fruits dry out. Fire drying should be done at a temperature of 55 or 57 degrees.
Oven and microwave for drying nuts
Experienced housewives know how to properly dry pine nuts at home. Walnuts and hazelnuts are also dried. The difference will be at what temperature the process occurs.
It is permissible to dry nuts in the oven, preheating it to 90 degrees. The process will take two to two and a half hours. When the oven is turned off, the nuts remain until they cool.
Before placing the purified product in an electric oven, the baking sheets are covered with cooking foil, onto which the raw materials are poured. You need to dry walnuts in the oven at 180 degrees for only 10 minutes. After five minutes, the raw materials are stirred.
At home, small quantities of walnuts can be dried in the microwave. Unshelled dried walnuts can be stored for a long time.
Before drying nuts without shells, you need to wash them. When the water has drained, the fruits are placed in the mold in one layer. Drying must be done at a set power of 750 W. 8 minutes is enough. Microwave-dried walnuts last for a couple of hours on a towel spread on the table. The kernels should have a light brownish tint.
It is advisable to store walnuts in a glass jar, fabric bags or cardboard boxes. The container will need to be washed and dried in advance. Plastic bags are not suitable; the products in them will go rancid. They can be stored in the house for up to a year; in the refrigerator they can be stored for up to 4 years.
Preparation for the procedure
- Before you begin the soaking procedure, you need to inspect the nuts to ensure they are suitable for consumption. All items with damage, mold or other defects must be discarded.
- High-quality specimens are thoroughly washed under running water using a colander or sieve.
- Upon completion of the procedure, you need to allow excess water to drain from the nuts.
Why do you soak before eating, how is it useful?
The main reason why it is recommended to soak almonds is to facilitate the process of their digestion in the gastrointestinal tract.
The brown skin of almonds is quite rough; it contains a special enzyme inhibitor (tannin), the main task of which is to preserve the seeds from exposure to the external environment.
However, this enzyme does not allow the human body to quickly and easily absorb the kernels, after consuming which the pancreas increases in size and begins to malfunction. The result is a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen.
Tannin can only be released when almonds are placed in water for several hours: this compound regards water as a medium suitable for germination and “loses vigilance,” making the product easier for the digestive organs.
The nut peel also contains phytic acid, which affects the activity of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of protein, fats and starch. In addition, this substance prevents the absorption of iron, zinc and magnesium: although they are contained in the kernels, they cannot enrich the body. One thing is good: phytic acid is water soluble, and after soaking the almonds it will completely remain in the water.
An additional bonus from prolonged contact of nuts with water is that it makes it easier to remove the skin (it literally peels off on its own) and makes the kernels juicier and softer.
How to wash shelled nuts and peeled fruits
A person believes that if he buys kernels in shell, like walnuts, then they are automatically protected from dust, dirt and harmful bacteria, as well as the negative effects of various chemicals with which the product was processed before it went on sale in the market or store. But this opinion is wrong. Walnuts and other types that are in shells should be washed before use. You don't need a soap solution for this. This is done as follows:
- Place all the fruits in a colander.
- Place the dishes under running water.
- Stir several times to thoroughly wash all the nuts.
If there are too many walnut fruits, then in order to process the product more efficiently, you can use a pan of suitable size. All the nuts are placed in it, and then water is poured in. It is very important to stir the fruit thoroughly. After this, the dirty water is drained, and the nuts are again filled with a portion of clean liquid. It is recommended to process the fruits at least 3 times in this way. When the cleaning activities are completed, all the nuts are evenly distributed on a towel so that they can dry naturally.
A nut shell can become covered not only with dust invisible to the human eye, but also with quite obvious dirt. To remove it from the surface, it is better to use a regular dishwashing sponge. On one of its sides there is an abrasive structure that will quickly and thoroughly clean the shell from dirt and plaque.
Many sellers bleach nuts in the same way. After processing with a sponge, the shell acquires a lighter shade.
If we are talking about shelled nuts, which are sold packaged from a reliable manufacturer with a good reputation, then they need to be poured into a colander and then rinsed under running water. After this, they should be rinsed with regular drinking water to wash away any remaining harmful compounds. When loose nuts were purchased at the market, it is better not only to wash them, but to additionally scald them with boiling water. This will help completely get rid of harmful bacteria and germs.
Fresh nuts are quite a heavy food for the human digestive system. Therefore, many people soak the kernels before use. In this case, there is no need to scald with boiling water for disinfection. It is enough to place the fruits in water with soda. An alkaline environment is fatal to most types of parasitic microorganisms, as well as their eggs, various viruses and infections.
The only downside to the process of washing nuts is the loss of the peculiar crunch that most people love to eat nuts for. To return this feature, you will need to place the kernels after cleaning in the oven for further drying.
Summarize
- Soaking almonds can improve their digestibility and increase the absorption of certain nutrients. You may also prefer the flavor and texture of soaked almonds.
- However, there is no need to soak these nuts for additional health benefits.
- Both soaked and raw almonds contain many important nutrients, including antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats.
The material is based on scientific data. The numbers in parentheses (1, 2, 3) represent clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific articles. Prepared by specialists for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a guide for treating any medical condition and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you become ill or experience any symptoms, you should not self-medicate and should always consult a doctor.
Technology for drying nuts in the oven at home
You can dry natural gifts in absolutely any oven. It is important not to confuse drying technology with frying. We simply remove excess moisture. To maximize the preservation of valuable substances, it is important to carefully monitor the temperature. Be sure to open the door slightly. If it does not hold in this state, hang a folded napkin over the edge, insert a skewer or any other object.
With shell
First, we'll tell you how to dry whole nuts in the oven along with the shells. A whole shell is a guarantee of safety. The dried product has a maximum shelf life. It is important not to confuse it with frying. At high temperatures, a number of changes occur. The preparation will have to be consumed immediately. If the shell is damaged or cracked, it is better to dry these specimens without it.
How to dry properly, instructions:
- Pour onto a baking sheet. You can use two or three at once. In this case, do not forget to periodically change places.
- Turn on the oven. Set it to 100 degrees.
- We put the baking trays. After 5-7 minutes, reduce the temperature to 60.
- We start drying, periodically open the oven, check readiness. The process will take from 1 to 4 hours.
Carrion contains the most moisture. The product actively absorbs moisture from the soil. It will take much longer to dry. It is not necessary to keep it in the oven all the time. You can temporarily dry it on radiators, near the stove.
Methods for drying walnuts
Without shell
Dried nuts without shells are stored worse, but are convenient to use. Less time is also spent removing moisture. The absence of a shell forces us to lower the temperature slightly. If you are not interested in useful substances, then you can dry it even at 90-100 degrees.
How to dry properly, instructions:
- Spread in a thin layer onto a baking sheet.
- Place in the oven.
- Turn on approximately 70 degrees. Don't forget about the open oven door.
- Let's start drying. The process will take about an hour. Depends on the type, size, degree of humidity.
Some people tell you how to dry nuts in the microwave. Should not be doing that. The nut heats up unevenly, and some of the useful elements disintegrate. It's better to use the oven. Or microwave a small amount for use.
Fry or soak?
Raw nuts contain inhibitors - substances that neutralize enzymes. This slows down the process of digesting food and puts more strain on the liver. Therefore, to obtain maximum benefits from their consumption, it is necessary to treat the fruits with high temperatures or by soaking.
Roasting nuts in a frying pan
As a result of roasting, the amount of nutrients is reduced, but the nuts become crispy and aromatic. When soaking, complex substances are converted into simple ones and the number of beneficial enzymes increases. The kernels are softer, easy to chew and have a pleasant taste.
Each method has its own disadvantages and advantages, so you should focus solely on your preferences.
Why almonds need to be peeled
It is necessary to peel almond nuts from the film so as not to harm your health.
The thin skin of the fruit contains substances that are very harmful to humans under the scientific name “benzaldehyde” and “amygdalin glycoside.” Without going into all the details and subtleties of medical chemical terms, let us clarify that such substances can inhibit the regeneration of damaged tissues, thicken the blood and, accordingly, cause irreparable harm to the heart and blood vessels, as well as reduce the body’s protective capabilities.
In addition, as mentioned above, the peel can provoke an allergic reaction: skin rashes, respiratory rhythm disturbances, swelling. Almond film causes allergies quite often. At the same time, a person may not even suspect that he has an individual intolerance to such a product. And the taste of such skin leaves much to be desired. If you are lazy and throw an unpeeled nut into baked goods, you can significantly spoil its taste.
But tender and tasty almond milk cannot be obtained from unpeeled fruits, just like almond flour.
The benefits and harms of using the product
Attention!
Almonds are a real storehouse of useful substances: after prolonged contact with water, they are all safely absorbed and have a beneficial effect on the body.
A complex of vitamins, minerals and biochemical compounds ensures the full functioning of all organs and systems:
- Heart: vegetable protein, potassium and monounsaturated fats ensure smooth functioning of the main organ, magnesium prevents heart pain.
- Vessels: vitamin E normalizes the condition of blood vessels, relieves inflammation in them, and together with calcium they ensure cleansing of blood vessels from cholesterol plaques.
- Blood pressure: potassium lowers blood pressure, and sodium maintains it at normal levels.
- Brain and nervous system: Vitamin B2 and L-carnitine regulate the functioning of nerve pathways in the brain, which is an excellent prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Folic acid strengthens the nervous system, prevents nervous breakdowns and depression.
- Bone tissue: phosphorus and other minerals, in close collaboration with vitamins, strengthen bones, thereby reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis, and making teeth strong and beautiful.
- Metabolism: riboflavin, copper and manganese accelerate metabolic processes, as a result, the process of weight loss starts.
- Skin and hair: fatty oils provide hydration to the skin, eliminating dryness, flaking and a feeling of tightness. These same substances nourish hair follicles and hair, enhancing their natural shine.
- Intestines: fiber helps to “push” feces in the intestines, which prevents constipation. Vitamin B17 prevents the development of malignant tumors in this organ.
Almonds pre-soaked in water have virtually no contraindications or side effects, but before consuming them you should remember that:
- This product should not be included in the diet of those who have a history of allergies to nuts and vegetable protein;
- overweight people need to monitor the amount of product they eat, since it is quite high in calories;
- Abuse of soaked almonds leads to rapid heartbeat and headaches.
