Almonds are the most commonly available and loved nut. No dessert would be complete without them. We all are reminded almost daily to have a share of almonds, claiming it to be the best brain booster.
However, eating the soaked ones and not their crunchier version has an added advantage. So, here I will tell you what possible additional health benefits can the soaked almonds have over the raw ones?
Table of Contents
Why Are Soaked Almonds Better Than Raw Almonds?
You are probably tempted to go get a handful right now. But what if I told you, that it will be absolutely useless even if you had a bowl full of them.
If you want them to be beneficial, eat them the right way which is the soaking it up in the water.
Soaked Almonds Vs Raw Almonds
The rough, brown skin is meant for protecting the nut until proper levels are reached of sunlight and moisture to allow it to germinate.
However, this coating contains enzyme inhibitor and our body cannot break this compound which makes digestion of almonds difficult. Most importantly the nutrients present in almonds is not absorbed by the body. The brown skin of almonds has tannins, which hinders the nutrient absorption.
Soaking the almonds eliminates the toxic material in the coating, decomposes the gluten and releases the phytic acid so we can get most out of the nut.
Apart from this soaking changes the texture of the nut making it much softer, which makes it chew friendly for the elderly and also the kids.
Additional Benefits Of Soaked Almonds Over Un-Soaked One
Soaked almonds release lipid breaking enzyme’ lipase’ which act on the fats in the food and help in digestion.
The soaked almond paste can be used as skin moisturizer and scrub. It can be highly effective in exfoliating the skin and improving skin texture and tone. The paste also helps in arresting the aging process. It is used to treat skin inflammations and rashes as well.
A mixture of almond paste with olive oil can be applied on hair and washed after leaving overnight. It acts as the natural conditioner and makes hair smooth and bouncy.
Calories In Soaked Almonds
There are about 160 calories in 1/4 cup of soaked almonds.
Health Benefits Of Soaked Almonds
Health Benefits of Soaked Almonds
1. Good For Brain
The almonds contain two important nutrients called riboflavin and L-camitine. Both are necessary for the development of the brain.
It prevents cognitive decline and creating the new neural pathway. Hence positively affects brain activity. They are also relevant to the reduction in the occurrence of Alzheimer disease and dementia.This makes them essential for growing children and elderly.
2. Good For Heart
Almonds contain key nutrient for heart health such as mono-unsaturated fats which have LDL (bad cholesterol) lowering effect, flavonoids with vitamin E act as strong antioxidants reduce the risk of heart disease by maintaining artery health, the folic acid helps clear clogged arteries.
Magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese all help in preventing heart attacks. In addition to this, the almonds also prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and enhance vascular function and reduce inflammation.
3. Good For Blood Sugar Levels
MUFAs present in almonds helps in modulating the spontaneous spike in glucose and insulin after meals. This property is extremely vital in preventing diabetes.They help maintain the overall processing and absorption of glucose thereby regulating sugar levels in a diabetic patient.
4. Good For Blood Pressure
The potassium in almonds helps control the ever-fluctuating blood pressure.
5. Good For Immunity
Strong immunity is required to keep the disease at bay and almonds can help with that as well.
They contain alkali materials which have known to strengthen the immune system along with this vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant seeks out the free radicals (responsible for damaging the cells) and destroys them.
6. Good For Digestion
They contain the probiotic component which helps with digestion and growth of healthy bacteria in your gut and also detoxification. They alkalize the digestive tract and reduce acid pile up and balance the body’s pH.
Balanced pH is necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption and regulation of digestive enzymes. Almonds also are the great source of fibers and hence regulate bowel movement and prevent constipation.
7. Good For Weight Loss
The presence of healthy fats and dietary fiber in the almonds help with weight loss as they lead to the feeling of fullness and satisfaction.
A handful of almonds can provide you the energy required for entire day and take care of your binge eating habits and save you from empty calories we mindlessly take during the entire day.
8. Good For Prevention Against Cancer
Many studies have associated almond intake with reduced cancer occurrence this is due to a presence of vitamin E. The fiber contained in the nut helps to regulate bowel movement and prevents colon cancer.
They contain linoleic and linolenic two vital fatty acids which are necessary to reduce and prevent inflammation all over the body.
9. Good For Bone
The almonds contain trace minerals such as calcium, phosphorous which are required for building and developing bones and teeth, and prevent tooth decay and cavities and fight osteoporosis.
10. Good For Skin
Our skin is prone to cancer due to oxidative stress from pollution, poor diet, and UV light exposure. The vitamin E and other antioxidant contained in the almonds help in repair and prevention against this damage. The beneficial effect of almond oil for skin is well known.
Almonds reduce skin inflammation. If applied on the skin, it works as a moisturizer. It tones the skin and works as an anti-aging agent.
11. Good For Hair
The almonds reduces the hair infection. It provides the shine to the hair.If applied as a mask, it is a wonderful conditioner.
12. Good For Pregnancy
The almond has folic acid which is vital to healthy fetal development and formation of healthy cells. Daily intake of the handful of almonds is advised for healthy mother and baby.
13. Get Rid Of Constipation
If you are suffering from constipation, almonds will help you to get rid of it. This is because of the content of insoluble fibers in it.
How To Soak Almonds Overnight?
Recipe To Soak Almonds
Place raw almonds in a glass and add two cups of water for half cup of almonds. Let them soak overnight, drain the water in the morning and store in jars in the refrigerator. If stored properly they can last up to a week.
Conclusion
Almonds taste great and are immensely popular already and enjoyed by all but now we know a simple change in how we eat them can transform them from mere snack treat to concentrated food packed with your daily requirement of nutrients.
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