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Saturday, 9 November 2013

WHY WE SOAK ALMONDS BEFORE EATING ?

Almonds are healthy nuts which provide our body various health benefits. These are high in protein, zinc and calcium, almonds are also a great source of vitamin E magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron and omega 3 fatty acids.



Firstly, Enzymes are catalysts for a parrticular chemical reaction. Enzyme inhibitors are just that - molecules that inhibit the actions of enzymes. They are present in all seeds and prevent premature germination until environmental conditions are right for sprouting. The almonds re soaked to activate their enzymes. Almond skin contains enzyme inhibitors that protects the almond until the proper levels of sunlight and water allow it to germinate. The belief is that activating the enzymes in the almond allows better digestion and access to its nutrients.The main reason to soak the almonds before eating are :-

1.  To remove or reduce phytic acid.
2.  To remove or reduce tannins.
3.  To neutralize the enzyme inhibitors.
4.  To encourage the production of beneficial enzymes.
5.  To increase the amounts of vitamins, especially B vitamins.
6.  To make the proteins more readily available for absorption.
7.  To prevent mineral deficiencies and bone loss.
8.  To help neutralize toxins in the colon and keep the colon clean.
9.  To prevent many health diseases and conditions.

Before soaking almonds, they should first be rinsed very well in cool water. Most experts recommend soaking them for at least six to eight hours, and many individuals prefer to soak them before bed and eat them for breakfast. Eating the almonds in breakfast has proven health benefits. When almonds are the first thing in your stomach after arising, they set the hydrochloric acid tolerance for the day, providing all-day protein digestion. When almonds are eaten first, they are efficiently digested since stomach acids are concentrated after the nightly fast. Presoak raw almonds in water overnight for quick germinal action. When soaked, almonds act as protein plus nitrogen. This protein helps your blood sugar stabilize throughout the rest of the day.

BENEFITS OF EAING SOAKED ALMONDS

1. Soaked almonds can make your food digestion smoother and faster by facilitating the entire digestive procedure. The external layer of the nut contains certain enzyme inhibitor which, when steeped in water, is released due to the presence of moisture. It activates the seeds, makes them easily digestible and allows people to get the maximum nutrition. Soaked almonds also release the lipid-breaking enzyme ‘lipase’, which works on the fat present in the food and aids in your digestion.

2. These are extremely beneficial for pregnant women. As moisture increases the availability of nutrients present in the nuts, they provide ultimate nourishment and energy to both the would-be-mother as well as the fetus. Furthermore, the folic acid content of almonds makes the delivery of baby trouble-free and helps the newborn stay away from any sort of birth-defect.

3. Scientists have proved that the intake of 4 to 6 soaked almonds a day can serve the purpose of a brain tonic and boost the functionality of the Central Nervous System (CNS) to a great extent. Being full of essential fats, these can sharpen the memory and improve the intelligence of growing kids significantly.

4. Almonds immersed in water can reduce your cholesterol levels to a great extent. Basically, they are loaded with Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA), which lower the amount of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad cholesterol’ in your bloodstream. The Vitamin E content of the nuts is also helpful in fighting against LDL and raising the level of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in the body.

5. By keeping your cholesterol levels under control with soaked almonds, you can maintain the heart health. They are good source of protein, potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for a healthy cardiovascular system. Apart from these, almonds are full of vitamin E which, being an antioxidant vitamin, combats several fatal heart diseases.

6. Acute hypertension can also be treated by soaked almonds. The low sodium and high potassium content of the nuts can prevent your blood pressure from escalating. In addition, magnesium and folic acid present in the seeds are helpful in lowering the chances of artery congestion.

7. Soaked almonds are a wonderful natural remedy for healing diabetes mellitus. They help to keep your blood sugar level under control.

8. There are very few chemical or organic compounds that can promote weight loss like soaked almonds. Being loaded with monounsaturated fat, they satisfy your craving for food and help you shed off additional body weight.

9. Those who suffer from chronic constipation can also get benefitted by consuming soaked almonds. The nut is full of insoluble fibers, which increase the amount of roughage in your body and help you get rid of the problem.

10. Almond repairs the damaged skin tissues internally and accelerates the formation of new cells. Hence, the tone and texture of your skin are enhanced considerably.

11. Ageing can easily be retarded with soaked almonds. Vitamin E and other antioxidants present in these nuts can eliminate harmful free radicals from your body. As a result, the ageing process gets delayed and you remain younger-looking for a longer.

Happy Eating :-)

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