IS IT BETTER TO SOAK ALMONDS IN WATER BEFORE EATING?

There is much confusion among people if it is better to eat almonds as purchased or having pre soaked almonds. This article will answer your queries. Almond is popularly known as the king of Nuts commonly known as Badam . Packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber, almonds are an easy, delicious way to get the nutrients we need, every day.There are many benefits of having almonds regularly.

Dry almonds contain an enzyme inhibitor in the skin which is basically meant to protect the seed till it gets moisture for germination. Once the almonds are soaked in water this enzyme inhibitor is released.

Ayurveda claims that almonds are energizing, and balancing for the mind. Eating pre soaked almonds makes them easier to digest and also makes more nutrients available for digestion. Soaking will make the nut soft and it becomes easy for children and aged to chew and consume. Unchewed nuts are hard on the digestive tract.

If you eat soaked almonds in the morning, they will set hydrochloric acid tolerance for the day and provide all-day protein digestion. Almonds are efficiently digested when consumed in this way since stomach acids are concentrated after the night fast. When soaked, almonds act as protein plus nitrogen .Therefore it is recommended to soak almonds overnight.

How to soak almonds in water:

• In a bowl take the required number of almonds .
• Rinse them in water and soak almonds in double the quantity of water .
• Cover the bowl with a fine cloth. Do not use a tight locking lid.
• Soak the almonds at room temperature for 8 to 10 hrs.
• Drain the water and rinse the nuts thoroughly prior to eating.

Myths about almond:

• Pre soaked Almonds should be peeled before eating

This is a wrong impression that you need to peel almonds before consuming. The skin of almonds contains anti-oxidants. The fact is that the skin of the almonds contributes to a significant part of the fiber content, a nutrient important for regular bowel movement.

• Almonds cause body heat and can be consumed only in winters

Almonds can be consumed throughout the year. The common belief that almonds cause body heat has not been verified scientifically. But in peak summers, you can also consume almonds in the form of Coolers or add into sweets and dishes. Dice it and add into your dishes.

Benefits of pre soaked almonds:

• Presoaked almonds boosts Memory

Almonds are known as one of the best brain tonics. It is rich in essential fats and serves to improve memory and intelligence. Eating 4-6 soaked almonds every morning helps enhance your memory. This makes them an essential part of kids’ daily diet. Develop the habit from early days for better results.

• Presoaked almonds highly beneficial during Pregnancy

Almonds are highly nutritive and hence a good source of energy for pregnant women. Adding a pinch of saffron to the almond paste will better the taste and further add value. Pregnant women must consume this preparation along with a healthy diet everyday as this provides good nourishment for both, mother and baby.

• Soaked almonds in milk increases sexual desire

Soaking almonds in milk and eating them increases the sexual desire and enhances general sexual performance in cases of frigidity. Have 8 to 10 almonds.

• Presoaked almonds has numerous Beauty benefits

Eating soaked almonds regularly improves the overall texture of your skin. Almonds are an effective moisturizer for the skin. You can use the paste of almonds soaked in warm water overnight and peeled. Grind to a coarse paste, mix with fresh cream and apply it on your face. Almond face scrub helps exfoliate the dead skin cells and get radiant skin. The remaining paste can be used to scrub rough knees and elbows.

BENEFITS OF ALMONDS (BADAM)

Almonds are a quality protein source, an excellent source of vitamin E, a good source of dietary fiber, and offer a multitude of essential minerals, making them a smart choice as part of a healthy diet. Almonds are nutrient-dense.

Commonly known as Badam, almonds is loved by kids and elders and regular consumption improves health, memory and builds resistance to the body. Ayurveda recommends having almonds as a whole. Almonds should not be taken on an empty stomach , it should be accompanied with fruits or milk. Ideal for individuals with Vata dosha .

Almonds are a great cholesterol-lowering food

Nearly 70 per cent of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated – a suggested substitute to saturated fats to reduce the cholesterol levels. Research also shows that almonds and almond oil have similar cholesterol-lowering effects. In fact eating almonds consistently lowers total and LDL cholesterol respectively by four and five per cent. This cholesterol-lowering effect is similar to heart-healthy foods such as oats and soy.

Almonds help in fighting diabetes and heart diseases

The presence of powerful nutrients like proteins, dietary fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA] and Vitamin E make almonds a rich diet source for combating degenerative diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases.

Almonds are ideal for Weight management

This aspect of almonds remains unknown to the consumers. People follow various diet plans and exercise regimes for weight management, ignorant of certain simple ways to shed those extra kilos. Weight management is a critical issue being faced by the Indian population, which can be attributed to the impact of an inactive lifestyle what with seating jobs and less limb movement that includes both adults as well as children these days. One of the most difficult tasks in the process of weight management is to control the type of food intake. There is a lack of information and awareness about the benefits and nutrient composition of the food we eat. Many essential and beneficial foods are avoided and Almonds is one of them.

Almonds are heart-friendly

In addition to offering “good” fat, nuts are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a nutrient powerhouse. Just a handful of these versatile almonds [one ounce or about 23 almonds] offer vitamin E, protein, fiber, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron in only 163 Kcal. Moreover, almonds contain phyto chemicals – plant chemicals that provide powerful protection against heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. Like all plant-based foods, almonds are also cholesterol-free.

Almonds can prevent cancer

A great example of nutritional synergistic power can be seen with the vitamin E in almonds (vitamin E is one of the most important vitamins one can consume). It enhances selenium’s cancer-preventing capability, protects against pollution, protects against cardiovascular disease, boosts the immune system and protects against neurological disorders.

A healthy and nutritious snack

Almonds can make a healthy nutritious snack. You can carry nutritious almonds easily in small containers as ready-to-eat snack at work and schools or can easily prepare delicious low caloric snacks . Add almonds in breakfast recipes, coolers, sharbat and Thandai. From heart disease to cancer, almonds are fighting for our good health.

Almonds is ideal for hair and ideal for baby massage

The composition of fats and fatty acids is very beneficial for almost all types of hair as it proves to be very nourishing, and softens and strengthens the hair. Recommended for baby massages. Sweet almond oil removes dandruff flakes, promotes hair growth, moisturizes skin especially during winter.

Almonds can make a healthy nutritious snack. You can carry nutritious almonds easily in small containers as ready-to-eat snack at work and schools or can easily prepare delicious low caloric snacks . Add almonds in breakfast recipes, coolers, sharbat and Thandai. From heart disease to cancer, almonds are fighting for our good health.

You can make a good start for the day by opting for the powerhouse of nutrients. There are many advantages of having pre soaked almonds. There are many myths associated with presoaked almonds too. Do not give much importance to such references. Do not think twice , start the habit of consumption of badam in your morning schedule.