Confused about whether to eat almonds raw or soaked? Here's the answer.
Loaded with health benefits, almonds make the perfect snack to munch on in the morning. Also, these crunchy nuts can be used to prepare a variety of dishes such as kheer, halwa, cakes, and more. However, here comes the question - which is healthier between raw almonds and soaked almonds? Well, while you can surely eat raw almonds, some researches have indicated that consuming soaked almonds is a better option when it comes to the well-being of your health.
Almond’s peel contains a rich number of tannins that inhibit nutrient absorption in your body. When you soak almonds for at least 6-8 hours, it becomes a lot easier to take off the peel. Thus, the nuts can now release all of their nutrients easily. Most people soak the almonds overnight and eat them in the first morning.
How to Soak
It's equally important to soak almonds in the right way to get maximum benefits. For that, all you need to do is take a handful of almonds and soak them in a bowl of lukewarm water. Cover the bowl properly, leave it for 6 to 8 hours, and then drain the water and take off the peel of those almonds. Now, it's ready for you to eat.
Health benefits of eating soaked almonds
Soaked almonds can benefit your health a lot more than you could ever get from raw almonds. These nuts have a rich nutrition profile, as it includes lots of vitamins, minerals, proteins, healthy fats, antioxidants, and more. Now, let's have a look at some of the most potential health benefits that soaked almonds have to offer.
May improve digestion: It's a no-brainer that almonds get softer when they are soaked. So, it allows your body to break down the nuts easily. Also, soaking almonds release lipase - which is a special type of enzyme that supports your digestion process.
May aid in weight loss
Almonds are a powerhouse of dietary fiber and protein - both keep you full for a long time. So, it restricts you from overeating, which in turn reduces the excess weight of your body. Also, as per several research studies, soaked almonds help improve your metabolism, which is essential for losing weight.
May improve heart health
The high proportion of antioxidants present in almonds prevent free radicals that can damage your heart. Also, they contain a good amount of magnesium that reduces blood pressure levels, thus improving your heart health to a great extent. Also, several studies have shown that eating soaked almonds regularly is highly beneficial to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels - which is essential for preventing several cardiovascular disorders.
Apart from these, soaked almonds may also boost brain functions, regulate blood sugar levels, and enhance skin as well as hair health.
