How to Soak and Sprout Raw Almonds for Better Nutrition
Almonds:
Nutritional Value of Almonds
Almonds are a good source of the minerals calcium, iron, selenium and zinc. They also contain skin-hydrating vitamin E as well as B complex vitamins, which aid cellular metabolism and energy.
Although high in fat and much more calorie-dense than fruits and vegetables, almonds pack in many nutrients and contain the healthy fats that have many benefits for your body. The healthy fatty acids help to lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise your good cholesterol (HDL).
Almond Nutrients and Their Health Benefits
Nutrient
| Benefit
|
|---|---|
Vitamin E
| Antioxidant, Skin Health
|
B-complex Vitamins
| Cell Metabolism & Energy
|
Calcium
| Bone Strength, Nerve Function
|
Iron
| Red Blood Cell Formation
|
Selenium
| Antioxidant, Immune Function
|
Zinc
| Immune Function, Wound Healing
|
Enzyme Inhibitors and Phytic Acid
Did you know that the brown skin of almonds keeps your body from digesting them efficiently? The reason raw almonds and other brown-skinned nuts can stay dormant for so long is because the skin contains enzyme inhibitors. Those enzyme inhibitors are broken down when the almond is soaked in the ground and begins to sprout. Those same enzyme inhibitors keep your body from digesting and using all the nutrients in the almond.
The brown skin of almonds and other nuts also contains phytic acid, a substance that binds to the calcium, iron, zinc and other minerals naturally found in these foods. When bound to phytic acid, these minerals cannot be absorbed by your body.
Raw Organic Almonds
These almonds are organic and raw, making them perfect for soaking or sprouting.
How To Get the Full Nutritional Value of Almonds
A simple way to break down those enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid at home is to soak your almonds in water for at least 12 hours. This puts the almond in a state where it is ready to grow. The enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid break down and it can be more easily digested. That means you can get the full benefits of all the nutrients the almonds contain!
Here are the steps:
- Place some raw unsalted almonds in a bowl
- Add enough water to cover the almonds.
- Cover the bowl with a towel.
- Let them soak in the water for 12 hours.
- Rinse the almonds thoroughly and repeat for up to 48 hours.
You may notice tiny sprouts beginning to poke out from the pointed end of the almond. Now you have created a living food that has more flavor, is easier to chew, and contains nutrients that are more available to your body.
An important thing to remember is that the almonds are no longer in the dormant state. Since they are now a living food, they will spoil. They need to be kept in the fridge and used within a few days.
Soaked Almonds
In summary, almonds are a healthy snack that contains many nutrients your body needs. Since the skin in almonds and other brown nuts contains enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, soaking and sprouting them can help your body truly use all the vitamins and minerals to help you live the healthiest life possible!
More Nutrition from Annie:
- The Benefits of Buying Local Produce
Some of the benefits of buying local produce include freshness and better taste, better nutritional value, and supporting your local economy. Farmers markets and local farmers are often forgotten because of grocery store convenience. Much of the prod - Things You Should Know About Vegetables
This article explains the many benefits of consuming vegetables and the difference between starch vegetables and true vegetables. Also reviewed is three ways to add more vegetables into your daily diet.
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Comments
Excellent informative hub Annie. A great reminder too to soak almonds before consumption to fully absorb the nutrients in almonds as also to make them easier to digest.
Voted up, useful and shared.
I had no idea, Thank you for such useful information ^_^ I love almonds but now I'm disappointed I haven't been eating them to their full potential :/
This was so informative I had no idea! Thank you for sharing.
I've never read this information before! How interesting! I eat almonds regularly but haven't tried sprouting them. I wonder if soaking them overnight (12 hours) and blending them in the morning to make almond milk would be just as nutritious? Thanks for this helpful hub! Voted up.
- Author
@rajan jolly - Thanks so much for voting and sharing!
@vespawoolf - Yes, it is a good idea to soak them for 12 hours before making almond milk. I've never made my own almond milk, but I would love to try it one day.
Thanks everyone for reading and commenting!
I see this all over the internet with scant reference to the science that shows phytic acid in the skin of nuts.
Great hub and I just happen to have almonds that a friend brought over. I will do this. And I will follow you because I like your healthy articles. Yay!
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