Health Benefits of Soaked Almonds

Almonds, the king of nuts, are considered to be an ancient super food that holds importance from as early as 3000 B.C. These have not only been the symbol of hope but longetivity, good health, fortune, divine approval and also a way of demonstrating love. And as the health benefits that the nut contains where it provides almost all elements needed for a healthy body, makes it a forever miraculous nut. Almonds are extremely rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals and are the best sources of Vitamin E, vitamin B2, copper, potassium and omega 6 fatty acids etc.

According to Ayurveda, the most useful and healthiest form is soaked almonds which also prove to be excellent for pacifying the Vata Dosha of an individual. Almonds are sattvic nuts. They are energizing as well as balancing for the mind. And consuming almonds in the morning soaked overnight has been a long-standing practice in Ayurveda. But what are the actual benefits? What’s the right way of eating almonds? And how much is enough? Read on!

Health Benefits of Soaked Almonds

1. Effectively gets rid of those extra kilos!

Almonds contain mono-unsaturated fats that curb your appetite making you feel full. Therefore being on an almond-enriched along with a low calorie diet effectively helps in shedding those extra kilos. Simply take four to six soaked and peeled almonds every day to make the process effortless!

2. Good for heart health

The mono-unsaturated fatty acids present in almonds make it a heart healthy nut. This brings down your bad cholesterol levels and intensifies the good cholesterol levels. Almonds help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system along with protecting you from heartburns or other related diseases. Being a great source of magnesium, almonds relax your veins and arteries improving blood & oxygen flow in your body. Plus the high potassium & low sodium content of almonds keeps a check on your blood pressure.

3. Makes belly happy

Almonds are a powerhouse for all your protein needs as they are superior in quality and easy to digest. They improve your digestive health, hold pain relieving properties, are a great source of dietary fiber and give instant relief to those suffering from constipation. Almonds lower your acidity levels, aid protein digestion and also help in regulating the hydrochloric acid that your stomach releases.

4. Boosts your intellect

Daily serving of almonds promotes a positive memory and brain functioning. Almonds are great for all age persons especially for those developing kids. They are like a brain tonic which helps you develop better reflexes, you become more alert and the concentration levels increase. Weakening memory power can also be restored with this wonder nut.

5. Healthy food during pregnancy

Almonds are such superior nuts that they even help in reducing birth related defects. This nut provides the expectant mothers and their babies with the ultimate nourishment. Being rich in folic acid and iron content, almonds support and give rise to a perfect cell & tissue development of the fetus.

6. Food for skin

Almonds are an excellent source of antioxidants that not only help resist free radical damage but also prevent the ageing process. They keep you forever young and your skin always glows. The antioxidants and Vitamin E present in almonds act as emollient and lubricating agents for your skin making it soft and supple over time.

How important is removing the peel?

To be simple and straight forward, removing the skin of almonds lowers its Pitta-aggravating properties. Plus soaking helps to make the nut much lighter and easier to digest!

After soaking, the peel comes out without any difficulty allowing the nut to release its nutrients. Else it contains an enzyme inhibitor called tannin that inhibits the nutrient absorption. The skin is necessary to protect the nut before germination but afterwards it may cause certain problems if consumed in excess. Issues like indigestion, nasal bleeding and other related discomforts can arise if almond skin is consumed in surplus.

And moreover removing the peel lets the stomach enzymes to freely work and enable maximum nutrient absorption.

How much is enough?

Ayurveda suggests consuming about four to six almonds soaked for six to eight hours and having them the next morning with your breakfast or with milk/ honey.

But also remember that nuts have the tendency to imbalance and increase your Kapha dosha. Hence maintaining the moderation level is essential. Better to take a handful of nuts along with some raisins to digest them easily which is also a popular ayurvedic snack! Or consult a practitioner to know about the suitable amount according to your body type.

Almonds are versatile nuts and are nutritionally dense. You can use them in several forms including almond oil, butter, paste, milk etc. Making them a part of your daily routine is as important as eating and drinking. The nut is small in size but is miraculous in nature. Just keep them where it’s easy to reach and grab a handful each day to soak overnight and consume the next morning!