What many people do not know is that dry nuts contain enzyme inhibitors—special substances that slow down the digestion process. Only a few are aware of this important fact. When nuts are soaked in a moist environment before eating, all their active components “wake up” and become more beneficial for your body. It’s essential to pay close attention to this information and keep it in mind when preparing nuts for consumption.
Health Benefits of Nuts
Every type of nut offers a variety of health benefits for the human body. Nuts improve brain function, support heart health, and help eliminate cholesterol from the system. However, caution is necessary when consuming nuts. Like any healthy food, eating them in large quantities can be harmful and toxic to the body. The ideal daily amount is about one handful of nuts. Each type of nut is unique and belongs to the walnut family, and it’s important to know how long you should soak each variety in water before eating it.
Here are recommended soaking times for different nuts before consumption:
- Walnuts: 8 hours
- Almonds: 12 hours
- Macadamia nuts: 4 hours
- Hazelnuts: 8 hours
- Pecans: 8 hours
- Peanuts: 1 to 2 hours
Nuts and fish are the primary sources of healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Various types of nuts, as well as plant-based oils, play a crucial role in maintaining brain health and the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Because of their omega-3 content, nuts help to reduce what is commonly called “bad” cholesterol in the body. Additionally, all kinds of nuts contain large amounts of beneficial substances, vitamins, and minerals.
Important Considerations When Consuming Nuts
It should be noted that just like any other healthy food, excessive consumption of nuts can be harmful to your health. Along with their beneficial properties, nuts can also act as allergens. Therefore, it is important to consume them moderately and with caution. The ideal daily portion is one handful.
It is best to eat any type of nut raw because heat treatment causes them to lose many of their beneficial properties. This applies to chestnuts as well, although eating them raw can be somewhat difficult for some people. For this reason, it’s recommended to store nuts in an airtight container to preserve their nutritional value.
In summary, soaking nuts before eating not only makes them easier to digest but also enhances their health benefits by activating enzymes and increasing nutrient absorption. This simple step can make a significant difference in how your body benefits from the nuts you consume. Always remember to soak the nuts for the appropriate amount of time listed above, eat them in moderation, and prefer raw nuts over roasted or processed ones to maximize their positive effects on your health.
