Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel (2024)

ByParmita Uniyal

Sep 05, 2021 12:04 PM IST

Eating almonds after soaking them can significantly improve their health benefits by way of better nutrient availability and digestibility, says Dietician Shruti Bharadwaj.

Many people follow their grandmother's advice when they soak almonds before eating them, while others may want to get rid of the slightly bitter taste of its peel. What if you think overnight soaking of the nutritious nuts is too much of a hassle? Are soaked almonds actually better than its raw or roasted form? Let's find out from a dietician.

Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel (1)

Almonds are packed with nutrients and an excellent source of fibre, proteins, Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorous...and the list goes on. From weight loss, good bone health, improving your moods, lowering risk of heart diseases, cancer to diabetes, many health studies vouch by the many benefits of a regular consumption of almonds. As per a study, people can reduce their breast cancer risk by consuming higher quantities of peanuts, walnuts, and almonds, compared with those who did not. Another one proves that almonds significantly increased the levels of antioxidants in the bloodstream, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood flow. Type 2 Diabetes patients too benefit by consumption of almonds as the magnesium helps to manage blood sugar levels.

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After coming to know about so many benefits of almonds, if you are heading towards your kitchen to take a handful of them, here's a reminder to soak them overnight first. That's correct. Eating almonds after soaking them can significantly improve their health benefits by way of better nutrient availability and digestibility.

ALSO READ: 10 benefits of almonds

Shruti Bharadwaj, Senior Clinical Dietician, Narayana Hrudayalaya Multispeciality Hospital Ahmedabad, tells us more about what happens when you soak your almonds before consuming them.

Benefits of eating soaked almonds

1. Improves digestibility: In terms of digestion, soaked almonds are better than raw or roasted. Anything that we soak, be it almonds or any other thing, is easy to chew and softer for the digestive system to break down. Almond is a rich source of antioxidants and when we soak them, the benefits multiply.

2. More nutrition: When we soak almonds, its nutrient-availability gets better and when we eat them the benefits of antioxidants and fibre get enhanced. The process of soaking also removes impurities that could prevent absorption of certain nutrients.

3. Aids weight loss: When we soak almonds, it releases few enzymes like lipase which boosts our metabolism and aids in weight loss.

4. Removes phytic acid: When we do not soak almonds, the phytic acid in them is not removed which ultimately hinders nutrient absorption. So if you are having raw almonds, the zinc and iron in them are not properly utilized by the body.

It is better to eat soaked almonds especially in old age when digestive issues and dental problems may be on rise, as the process of soaking helps to make them soft and easy to digest.

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News / Lifestyle / Health / Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel

Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel (2024)

FAQs

Why we should eat almonds after soaking and removing peel? ›

Removes phytic acid: When we do not soak almonds, the phytic acid in them is not removed which ultimately hinders nutrient absorption. So if you are having raw almonds, the zinc and iron in them are not properly utilized by the body.

Why should we eat almonds after soaking and removing the peel? ›

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Soaked almonds are easier to digest, which allows your body to absorb essential nutrients like proteins, healthy fats, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium more effectively. This translates to greater health benefits and overall nutritional support.

Is it better to eat almonds with skin or without skin? ›

You can safely eat almonds with skin or without. Eating almonds that have been soaked but not peeled may be healthier, but it isn't more nutrient-dense than doing so raw. Almonds with skin or without both have health benefits. Soaking almonds every day is an excellent way to nourish yourself.

What are the benefits of eating soaked almonds in an empty stomach? ›

Ease Digestion: Besides being easy to digest, soaked almonds are easy on the stomach. Soaking almonds softens them, making it easier for the body to break down, and helps it absorb nutrients optimally. It reduces enzyme inhibitors and initiates enzymatic activity, making it easy for the body to digest them.

Why we should not eat almonds without soaking? ›

The skin of almonds is difficult to digest, and therefore Ayurveda recommends soaking the almonds and peeling the skin to improve the digestibility of almonds. When you eat almonds without soaking and peeling off the skin, it will aggravate Pitta in the blood.

How many almonds to eat per day? ›

She said, that for adults, eating 20-25 almonds a day is a healthy intake of nuts. For children, it limit of around 10 is a decent approach. Ritika explained that almonds are super healthy but one must also keep a check on their consumption.

What is the best time to eat almonds? ›

Almonds. One of the healthiest dry fruits, almonds are rich in essential nutrients like fibre, protein, Vitamin E, riboflavin, magnesium, etc. To reap the health benefits of almonds, it's advised to consume them in the morning. Just soak a fist of almonds at night and have them in the morning.

How long should I soak almonds? ›

Let the almonds be soaked for at least 8-12 hours or overnight. Drain out the water in the morning. You can either consume the almonds with the now softened skin or remove the skin. Dry the almonds using a paper towel.

What is the healthiest way to eat almonds? ›

Improves digestibility: In terms of digestion, soaked almonds are better than raw or roasted. Anything that we soak, be it almonds or any other thing, is easy to chew and softer for the digestive system to break down. Almond is a rich source of antioxidants and when we soak them, the benefits multiply. 2.

Which is better, raw almonds or soaked almonds? ›

"Soaked almonds and walnuts are healthier than having them raw, because the process of soaking makes them more digestible and more easily absorbed in the body. So, all the nutrients and vitamins that they have, almost doubled up in the bio availability of those vitamins, when they are consumed soaked.

How long to soak almonds to remove skin overnight? ›

To soak almonds at home, simply cover them with water in a bowl and let sit for 8–12 hours. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can dry them in an oven or dehydrator.

Is too much almond harmful? ›

When you consume too many almonds, your body absorbs too many minerals and vitamins, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation. Additionally, it could cause weight gain and obesity.

Why must I discard the water I soaked almonds in? ›

Do you need to drain the water after soaking nuts and seeds? Yes, it's generally a good idea to drain the water after soaking nuts and seeds. Soaking helps remove enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, making them easier to digest and increasing nutrient availability.

What will happen if I eat soaked almonds daily? ›

Incorporating soaked almonds into your daily diet can lead to a multitude of benefits for your skin, hair, and overall health. From improved digestion to strengthened immunity, these nutrient-rich nuts are a powerhouse of wellness.

Can we drink water after eating soaked almonds? ›

This is because if you drink a glass of water immediately after, it won't let the stomach acids act upon the nuts and therefore extract the nutrients it provides. So it is advisable that you keep a gap of 10 minutes before drinking water. Why do we soak almonds in water before eating?

Which is better, soaked almonds vs dry almonds? ›

Soaked almonds have several advantages. They are considered easier to digest compared to their dry counterparts. Soaking softens the almonds, making them more digestible as it breaks down the pulses. Furthermore, soaking enhances the nutritional and antioxidant content of almonds.

How long do soaked and peeled almonds last? ›

Soaked and peeled almonds will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator if they are stored in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

Are raw almonds safe to eat? ›

People can eat almonds raw or toasted as a snack or add them to sweet or savory dishes. They are also available sliced, flaked, slivered, as flour, oil, butter, or almond milk. People call almonds a nut, but they are seeds, rather than a true nut.

Can we eat soaked walnuts without peeling? ›

As the season of these favorite from my childhood and infinitely useful nuts comes, I have often been asked this question – whether to peel the skin of the fresh walnuts. The answer is no! Actually, the raw walnut with its skin is the most nourishing.

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