5 Reasons You Should Be Munching On Activated Almonds

Did you pick up a pack of nuts and seeds recently from a different store? With a slightly different packaging? Or maybe having a different price?

The chances are high that you got yourself the latest trend in the food scenario – activated nuts. We already know the benefits of eating nuts and seeds without the usual additives like salt or honey. But now, the process of activating them has become very popular. It is essentially soaking the nuts and seeds and then drying them before consumption. Food experts believe that nuts are already densely packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. And activating them ensures better absorption of all the nutrients and they are much gentle on our heart and the digestive system. All these benefits, without compromising on the taste.

It is notable that many indigenous inhabitants like the aborigines have been consuming seeds and nuts only after activating them, and it has caught up with the food industry as well. Let us take the example of almonds. It is widely believed that they must be consumed only after being soaked. You must be wondering why it is not exactly as healthy to eat almonds or any other nuts in their raw, original form. The answer lies in the fact that they are quite solid and dense in texture. They contain chemicals that hinder the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients properly. In some cases, they could even be toxic. Therefore, it is a good idea to activate them before eating.

Let us examine the advantages of soaking and activating almonds and how they contribute to making us healthier.

1. More Nutrient Rich

The method of soaking nuts, legumes, and seeds begins the process of germination and sprouting. Thus, the process of ‘activating’ the almonds begins here. Infusing them with water prepares the nuts for an optimum enzyme as well as nutrient growth. Moreover, it is easier to chew them and therefore makes them a healthier choice as compared to raw almonds.

2. Better Absorption

The skin of almonds is hard and contains a substance called tannin that preserves its nutrients. This inhibitor doesn’t let the nutrients do their work till they receive adequate water and sunshine to germinate. In raw almonds, the body is unable to break the nourishing elements, and hence, the nutrition is very limited. On the other hand, activated almonds have moisture that enables the almond to shed its cover, thereby releasing the enzymes for absorption.

3. Eliminating The ‘Anti-nutrients’

Though almonds are highly nourishing, they are also loaded with anti-nutrients. Among these anti-nutrients are phytates that attach themselves to minerals like calcium, zinc, manganese, etc. in the gastrointestinal tract and blocks them from being used by the body, thus causing mineral deficiency (1). The other anti-nutrients are the oxalates that can form crystals in the kidneys or the gallbladder and can hamper the absorption of calcium. Hence, they can cause considerable health issues if taken raw.

4. Better Digestion

Almonds, when soaked, release an enzyme called lipase that helps in better absorption and digestion. As stated earlier, soaking negates the activity of phytic acid, and, as a result, there are fewer issues with the GI tract or complaints like irritable bowel syndrome. However, it is important that the soaked almonds are chewed properly.

5. Better Heart

Having almonds is very good for the heart. It is because it lowers the LDL, the low-density lipoprotein (or the ‘bad’ cholesterol), which causes accumulation of harmful plaque in the arteries and veins. In fact, it raises the amount of HDL or good cholesterol in the body. It also lowers the chances of having blood clots that are responsible for heart attacks. Consuming activated nuts is even better. They reduce inflammation related to heart problems and are richer in vitamins, which enhances the immunity of the body.

How To Prepare Activated Almonds

1. Rinse the almonds properly to remove any mold or dust, and then soak them. Make sure that they are completely dipped in water.
2. Add some apple cider vinegar or fermented juices like kombucha or sauerkraut because they facilitate the germination process. Add a teaspoon of salt as well and keep it for about 24 hours.
3. Take the almonds out to dry and then put them to bake in the oven in the lowest heat setting.
4. Once they are dry and crisp, the activated almonds are ready to eat.

Not only almonds, other seeds and nuts can also be soaked for a specific period to be activated and consumed after that so that their nutrients and benefits can be fully reaped (2). This may be a rising food trend, but it is an age-old phenomenon of wise eating as we have seen with past generations and even indigenous tribes.

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Chandrama Deshmukh

   

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