Almonds are a popular snack that is packed with nutrients and health benefits. Soaking almonds before eating them can enhance their nutritional value and make them easier to digest. But what is the best time to eat soaked almonds?
Almonds that have been soaked in water overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Soaking almonds helps to remove the brown skin of the almond. The skin contains tannin, a compound used to keep the nutrients locked in the almond.
Peeling off the skin will release the nutrients. Enzymes beneficial for digestion are also released when the almonds are soaked.
It also makes it easier to digest the almond and allows your body to absorb more nutrients.
Soaking the almonds overnight also decomposes their gluten content and releases phytic acid. This makes it a much healthier alternative to consuming them raw.
Why Do You Need to Soak the Almonds?
“Almonds are a protein source that helps stabilize blood sugars, lower blood pressure, and have antioxidant properties,” said Ayurvedic practitioner Geeta Vara.
She also explained that nuts like almonds could be challenging to digest for the body and must be soaked before consumption.
What is the Best Time to Eat Soaked Almonds?
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First Thing In The Morning
Almonds that have been soaked in water are highly nutritious. The oldest custom observed by almost every Indian household is to consume soaked almonds first thing in the morning.
For maximum benefits, eat them in the morning. It is advised to consume nuts with your breakfast to keep blood sugar levels steady, satisfy hunger, and boost metabolism.
Can We Eat Soaked Almonds On An Empty Stomach?
Almonds are a good source of several nutrients, making them ideal for snacking. Eating almonds on an empty stomach boosts and speeds up the absorption of their nutrients.
However, eating soaked almonds on an empty stomach can cause indigestion for some people. If you are one of those people, eating soaked almonds with a meal or snack is best.
Can Almonds Be Eaten At Night?
Eating almonds at night can help you sleep better. This is because they contain magnesium, which helps relax the muscles and promote sleep.
Almonds also contain Melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. A 1oz serving of almonds will pack about 77 mg of Melatonin.
What Is The Best Time To Eat Them During Pregnancy?
Soaked almonds are a good source of folic acid, essential for pregnant women. Folic acid helps to prevent congenital disabilities of the brain and spine.
Pregnant women should eat soaked almonds every day to get the most out of their nutrients.
You can soak them overnight and have them first thing in the morning, or you can soak them for a few hours and have them in the afternoon or evening.
What Is The Best Time To Eat Them For Weight Loss?
Soaked almonds are a good source of fiber and protein, which can help with weight loss. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full, while protein helps build muscle.
The best time to eat soaked almonds for weight loss is morning or afternoon. This will give you the most energy and help you stay on track with your diet.
Almonds are a healthy snack no matter what day you eat them. So, if you’re looking for a nutritious snack that will help you lose weight, soaked almonds are a good choice.
How to Eat Them?
There are many ways to eat soaked almonds. You can eat them whole or remove the skin and chop them up. You can also add them to your favorite recipes.
Soaked almonds can be enjoyed plain. Almonds are naturally mildly sweet.
You can also drizzle them with squeezed lemon juice or sprinkle them with salad to add flavor.
Health Benefits
There are numerous health benefits of soaked almonds including:
A loaded source of nutrients
Almonds are high in several nutrients. They are an excellent source of fiber, protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and various other minerals. It’s a healthy start to your day that packs a punch of nutrients.
Improves digestion and absorption of certain nutrients
It’s easier to digest soaked almonds than raw almonds. Soaked almonds can help with digestion. It aids in the assimilation of nutrients. These also boost the creation of an enzyme that aids digestion.
Soaking may make almonds easier to chew, increasing essential nutrient availability, and helping the absorption of nutrients.
Great for your skin and hair
Almonds are high in vitamin E, essential for skin and hair health. Vitamin E in almonds may help your skin become more smooth and soft.
Almonds can also help you fight hair issues. It can help you fight hair fall. Using almond oil for the skin is also beneficial.
Boosts brain function
Almonds are a good source of riboflavin and L-carnitine. These nutrients are essential in keeping your brain healthy and functioning correctly.
L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps to produce energy in the body. It also aids in fat metabolism, which can help improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline.
Lower your cholesterol levels
Eating soaked almonds can help to lower your cholesterol levels. This is because they contain a type of soluble fiber known as pectin. Pectin can help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol), lower the risk of heart disease, and boost heart health.
Soaked almonds are also beneficial for those with high blood pressure. This is because they contain magnesium. Magnesium helps to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
Improves blood sugar levels
Soaked almonds can help to improve your blood sugar levels. This is because they have a low glycemic index. The glycemic index measures how quickly food will raise your blood sugar levels.
Foods with a low glycemic index are slowly absorbed and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This can help to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Improves your mood
The amino acid called tryptophan present in almonds can boost your mood. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and sleep.
Eating soaked almonds can help to improve your mood and promote better sleep.
Boosts your bone health
Soaked almonds can also help to boost your bone health. This is because they contain calcium and phosphorus. These two minerals are essential for strong bones.
Calcium helps build strong bones, while phosphorus helps maintain bone density. Soaked almonds can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
Treats constipation
Soaked almonds can also help to treat constipation. This is because they are a good source of fiber. Fiber helps to add bulk to stool and prevents constipation.
Better taste and texture
Some people may prefer the taste and texture of soaked almonds over raw almonds. Soaking almonds can also make them easier to chew and digest.
Soaking also affects the texture and taste of almonds.
Raw almonds are hard and crunchy, with a slightly bitter flavor due to their tannins. When soaked, they become softer, less bitter, and more buttery-tasting, which may be more appealing to some individuals.
Helps you lose weight
Soaked almonds can also help you lose weight. This is because they are a good source of protein and fiber. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full, while protein helps build muscle.
A study found that having a little more than one serving of almonds daily reduces hunger and promotes weight loss.
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How Do You Make Soaked Almonds
Soaking almonds is simple — and much cheaper than buying pre-soaked ones at the store. Almonds must be soaked in water for at least 12 hours or overnight.
To soak almonds, place them in a bowl and cover them with water.
Cover the bowl and let it sit on your countertop overnight or for 8–12 hours.
Once they have soaked for the appropriate time, drain them and enjoy. You can remove the almond skins for a smoother texture if you choose.
Pat the almonds dry using a clean paper towel.
The soaked nuts can be eaten immediately.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can dry them in an oven or dehydrator.
You can store soaked almonds in an airtight container in the fridge for one week.
