Everyone knows that almonds are beneficial for health. We should have it daily because almonds are a good source of antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, zinc, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acid. Daily dose of almonds helps in losing weight, reducing bad cholesterol (LDL), increasing good cholesterol (HDL), delaying ageing, improving memory, reducing birth defects and fighting cancer.
Many of us must have got advice that we should eat soaked almonds instead of raw almonds. Choosing soaked almonds over raw or normal almonds is a healthier option? Yes, having soaked almonds is definitely a better choice.
Why soaked almonds are better?
The peel of almond contains tannin, an enzyme inhibitor that is meant to protect the seed until it has perfect conditions for germination. Our body can't breakdown tannin, not only making the digesting almonds difficult, but also restricting your body from absorbing almonds nutrients. In order to absorb almonds nutrients, it should be soaked in water overnight.
Besides the above, soaking almonds also softens the seed, making it crunchy, easy to chew and digest.
How to soak almonds?
For an adult, having a handful of almonds (50-60 grams) per day is sufficient. At night, put almonds in any cup or small utensil and fill it with water. Cover them and soak it for overnight (8 hours). In the morning, drain the water and now, your daily dose of almonds are ready for munching. You can have it directly or slice them in small pieces and have it with curd, oats or even porridge.
Almonds contain monounsaturated fats that reduce your appetite and make you feel full for longer time. So, make a habit, soak a handful of almonds every night and have your daily dose of nutrition in your morning breakfast. Happy munching!
