Everything You Need To Know About Activating Nuts

It is known that nuts are loaded with nutrients, but what if I tell you that these nutrients can be further enhanced by activating the nuts?

Activating nuts is an ancient practice in which the nuts and seeds are soaked long enough in salt water starts off the germination or sprouting process, and later dehydrated at a low temperature. Soaking them boosts the nutrient value of the nuts, and breaks down their problematic compounds which help enhance their digestibility.

Thus, activating nuts can help you to get the most goodness out of nuts, and have been widely endorsed even by the celebrity chefs.

Why Do You Need To Activate Nuts?

Raw nuts are an incredibly healthy snack, full of healthy fats, proteins, fibre, and other important minerals including magnesium, potassium, folic acid, zinc, calcium, etc. However, they also contain anti-nutrients and natural chemicals like phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that can make the absorption of these nutrients difficult, by reducing your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients efficiently. So, to solve the problem of indigestion due to nuts, go for activated nuts.

Thus, consuming raw nuts in large quantities puts extra pressure on your digestive system, and may lead to uncomfortable digestive issues including heaviness, bloating, and nausea. Therefore, it is recommended to activate them.

How to Activate Nuts?

To activate nuts, they need to be soaked in salty water and then dehydrated at a low temperature. However, different nuts like cashews, hazelnuts, almond nuts, pistachios, walnuts, etc. have different soaking and drying periods that vary from 10 to 15 hours. This will remove the phytic acid out from the nuts. Later to keep them activated, you can store the activated nuts in air-tight containers for consumption.

Follow the below process to activate them.

• Soak a handful of nuts of your choice in water.
• Add some sea salt and make sure that all the nuts are completely soaked.
• Let them soak them from 7 to 12 hours. But soak each of the nuts in different bowls, like you can soak almonds in one bowl for 12 hours, while cashews for seven hours in another bowl.
• Then drain out the excess water.
• Dry them out completely at a low temperature before storing.
• They are ready for consumption.

Benefits of Activating Nuts

Raw nuts are loaded with Vitamins B and C, and are a rich source of other nutrients which shield the body against high cholesterol and coronary heart diseases. They are also packed with proteins and unsaturated fats, meaning that they contain very little amount of calories, which makes them healthier. But pre-packed nuts are usually roasted in adulterated oil which doesn’t have any nutrients. Thus, it is suggested to buy raw, unsalted nuts, and later activate them yourself to get the maximum benefits.

An excellent healthy snack

Activated nuts work as an excellent healthy snack as they have high fibre and fat content, making them quite filling. Therefore, this is a perfect alternative for people looking for a way to cut on calories yet get their stomachs full, as the nuts help to keep hunger at bay.

Alternately, activated nuts are also beneficial for those who are trying to gain weight. Being a great source of protein and healthy fats, people can consume activated nuts along with their meals for a good portion control.

For pregnant women

We know that consuming protein rich food is very crucial for pregnant women. So, eating a handful of activated almonds on a daily basis can help reduce allergies in developing babies, walnuts can help to boost the brain functions of the baby including its memory and learning abilities. Moreover, activated almonds are a rich source of various minerals and vitamins, which should be consumed by expecting mothers as much as possible to make the most out of the nuts.