One of the most commonly found and loved nuts is the Almond. They are the edible seeds of prunus dulcis, commonly known as an almond tree. It grows in a pale green perforated shell, known as a drupe when attached to the tree. The crunchy and tasty brown almonds are rich in vitamins and minerals. They add nutritional value and make food delicious. You can put them in almost every dessert, kheer, halwa, ice cream, etc. They are also used to produce almond milk, oil, butter, flour, or paste. In this post, we have captured almonds’ rich nutritive profile and the benefits of soaked almonds.Â
Almonds: Rich Source of Nutrients
Almonds have an impressive high nutritive profile. They are rich in nutrients like vitamin E, dietary fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, magnesium, and proteins. All these nutrients can be gained from a handful of almonds. They contain a small amount of iron, zinc, copper, and calcium. They are also known as a superfood because of their high nutritive profile. Regular consumption of almonds helps in boosting immunity, improve sleeping quality, and keep infection at bay.
Raw vs. Soaked Almonds: Which is Better?
Soaked almonds increase the amount the nutrients and vitamins absorbed by our body compared to raw almonds. Soaking almonds help in reducing phytic acids in the outer layer of the almond. The brown peel contains tannin which slows down the process of nutrient absorption. Soak a handful of almonds for about 8 hours in a cup of water. Peel the brown cover and store them in a plastic container. They can be stored for a week.
Benefits Of Soaked Almonds
1. Keeps the heart-healthy
Soaked Almond reduces the risk of heart diseases. Studies have shown that almond keeps the blood vessels healthy. They are filled with monounsaturated fats which show a positive effect on the heart. They also protect LDL from oxidation, which is a crucial step in the development of heart disease.
2. Aids digestion
Eating soaked almonds helps to improve digestive health by increasing levels of gut bacteria. A high level of vitamin E and other minerals increases the germ-fighting pathogens in the stomach. Soaked almonds also increase enzymes which fastens the digestion process. It releases the enzyme lipase which is beneficial for the digestion of fats.Â
3. Aids weight loss
Soaked almonds help in shedding unwanted pounds. As regular consumption of soaked almonds helps in increasing metabolism, they help in weight loss. Feel free to add them to your salads and breakfast cereals. It also regulates a healthy bowel movement. Discover the best weight-loss foods and drinks that help in fast weight loss.
Some More Benefits Of Soaked Almonds
4. Controls blood sugar level
Soaked almonds reduce the rise in glucose, the blood sugar levels. It stimulates the insulin level. It’s a perfect choice for diabetes patients and is recommended by doctors. People with type 2 diabetes have usually lower magnesium levels, which are fairly high in almonds.
5. Loaded with antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that protect your cells against free radicals, which play a role in fighting against heart diseases, cancer, and other diseases. Its sources can be natural or artificial. Almonds are an excellent source of antioxidants. They help protect against oxidative stress, which can damage molecules in your cells and contribute to inflammation and aging.
6. Reduces bad cholesterol
Studies on almonds have shown that they can lower LDL and triglyceride levels. Also, they can either maintain HDL levels or increase them significantly. They are also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. It prevents the oxidation of LDL which is crucial in preventing heart disease.
How many Soaked Almonds can you eat in a day?
The recommended serving of almonds is about 8-10 soaked almonds in a day. Collectively they will add valuable nutrients to the diet. It should be kept in mind that almonds have some calories and hence should be consumed in controlled quantities. Excess consumption can be bad for health.
The Bottom line
The benefits of soaked almonds make it a must-have item on the food list. No one can deny that almonds are nutritive and healthy nuts. They keep the heart healthy, regulate sugar, maintain blood pressure, and even keep bones and teeth strong. They aid in having a perfect body weight along with providing energy. You can easily add them to your daily diet or sprinkle crushed almonds on a variety of foods.