Nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds are a part of a balanced diet with the healthy fats and other nutritional values ​​they contain. Although it is a very good snack with its delicious taste, you may consider soaking these nuts in a little water before consuming them as they are.

Why should you soak nuts in water?

Here are some reasons to soak walnuts and similar nuts before consuming them:

1- They need cleaning

Nuts are usually stored for a long time and pass through many different counters before reaching your table. Washing them with water before consumption helps them get rid of dust and similar dirt that may have accumulated on them during this process.

2- Its nutritional value increases

If you think nuts are hard to digest and give you discomfort after eating, tannins may be to blame. Tannins are phenolic compounds found in grains, fruits such as bananas and apples, some fruits and nuts. This is an anti-sprouting agent that ensures long-term storage of nuts. Unfortunately, these substances also prevent your body from absorbing nutrients from food. They do this by inhibiting your digestive enzymes and limiting the use of minerals and vitamins. Also, tannins tend to form complexes with the proteins you consume. These complexes are still difficult to digest. High amounts of tannin can even negatively affect the absorption of iron by the body. By soaking the nuts, you get rid of most of the tannins in their content. Another problem with tannins found in nuts such as walnuts is that they give them a slightly bitter taste that many people find unpleasant. Wetting can prevent this from happening. Phytic acid is a natural antioxidant. However, it is also known to create problems with the minerals your body absorbs from your diet. This compound in nuts “chelates” metal ions such as iron, zinc and even calcium in food. This means that phytic acid binds to these ions, forming insoluble and difficult-to-absorb salts in the gastrointestinal tract. This deprives your system of minerals. It’s also known to create problems with minerals your body absorbs from your diet. This compound in nuts “chelates” metal ions such as iron, zinc and even calcium in food. This means that phytic acid binds to these ions, forming insoluble and difficult-to-absorb salts in the gastrointestinal tract. This deprives your system of minerals. It’s also known to create problems with minerals your body absorbs from your diet. This compound in nuts “chelates” metal ions such as iron, zinc and even calcium in food. This means that phytic acid binds to these ions, forming insoluble and difficult-to-absorb salts in the gastrointestinal tract. This deprives your system of minerals.

Phytic acid also inhibits the enzymes pepsin and trypsin, which facilitate the digestion of protein. The former helps break down proteins while they are in your stomach, while the latter aids protein digestion in your small intestine. By soaking the nuts, you reduce their phytic acid content. Eliminating this “antinutrient” allows your body to use the minerals in the food you consume.

2- It is easier to digest

Studies have shown that nuts like almonds have a solid texture and your stomach has a hard time breaking them down during digestion. In fact, the texture of raw almonds usually remains intact after digestion. If you have a sensitive stomach, digestive issues, or gluten sensitivity, soaking nuts can make them much easier to digest. You can change the rate at which they break down in the body by processing nuts or even simply by soaking them. Removal of tannins, phytic acid and softening of hazelnuts make them easier to chew and break down inside. This is a good option if you are facing intestinal irritation after eating the nut, but still want to consume it for its nutritional content.

3- The skin can be peeled off

After soaking the nuts, the seed coat comes off much more easily. Although the necessity of peeling this thin crust before consuming is discussed, this process can facilitate your digestion. For example, Ayurveda recommends soaking the shells of almonds for easier access to their nutrient content and less bitter taste.

Do not drink this water!

It is sufficient to soak the nuts in water for one night before consuming them, but it may not be a good idea to consume this water afterwards. This water will be full of dusts and tannins that you aim to purify from the nuts. If you want to make your nuts crunchy again, you can bake them at a low temperature.