Why You Should Never Eat Almonds Without Soaking Them First, Says a Doctor

Why Washing Isn?t Enough?for Almonds

When preparing fresh produce, we usually rinse fruits and vegetables under running water without a second thought. But when it comes to dried fruits like almonds, this practice often falls by the wayside. However, according to Dr. William Berrebi, it’s absolutely necessary to rinse, and even soak, almonds before eating them. Skipping this step can make almonds harder to digest, and more importantly, might keep you from enjoying all their nutritional benefits. Let?s dig into what makes soaking so crucial.

The Science: What Soaking Really Does

Dr. William Berrebi explains, “Almonds contain an enzyme inhibitor, phytic acid, which makes them difficult to digest and blocks the absorption of certain nutrients by the body.” He goes on to describe phytic acid as “a kind of anti-nutrient.”

What does this mean for your daily snack? Phytic acid acts as a barrier, getting in the way of your body’s ability to make the most of almonds’ nutrients. But when you soak almonds, something pretty cool happens:

“Soaking them activates the germination process. As a result, their nutritional value also increases: the vitamin content goes up, proteins multiply, minerals become more easily absorbed, and so on? All of this boosts their health benefits.”

So, simply soaking your almonds not only enhances their digestibility, but also unlocks more vitamins, makes proteins more available, and helps your body absorb the minerals they offer. Pretty neat for something that only takes a bowl and some water!

How To Properly Soak Almonds

Want to try it yourself? Dr. Berrebi gives a step-by-step guide to getting your almonds ready:

• First, put a handful of almonds in a bowl.
• Rinse them, then add enough drinking water to cover them completely.
• Let the bowl sit and rest overnight (your almonds need their beauty sleep too).
• In the morning, drain and rinse your almonds one last time.
• Now comes the best part?you can enjoy them immediately after rinsing.

According to Dr. Berrebi, after following these steps, your almonds are not just tastier but also better for you.

Should You Soak Other Nuts and Seeds?

If soaking is so beneficial for almonds, what about other nuts and seeds? The answer, according to Dr. Berrebi, is yes?for some of them at least. He recommends the same method for walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, since these, too, contain phytic acid.

In sum: if almonds are a staple in your snack routine, it?s well worth those few minutes of prep. A quick soak means easier digestion, improved nutrition, and tastier nuts. Your stomach?and your taste buds?will thank you!