Soaking Nuts & Seeds 4 Better Digestion?
We’ve been learning about the miraculous benefits of nuts and seeds. These offer a power-house of nutrients, but what if our body was compromised and unable to use the amazing benefits God placed in these yummy foods. Could there be a way to improve digestion so our body has the best chance to assimilate nutrients and heal? That’s our challenge, so let’s “wade” our way into getting “nutty and soaked.”
Here’s what I mean. You may have heard the term, “You are what you eat.” Most experts now agree we should reframe that message to read, “You are what you assimilate.” When we’re healthy our body should know how to move nutrients from foods we eat into our bloodstream for all the miraculous benefits. But here’s the problem. Our digestion and good gut bacteria that help with digestion, have been assaulted by GMO foods, pesticides, antibiotics, too many fast and processed foods; and our stressful lifestyle doesn’t help either. As we age assimilating nutrients can be more difficult too. Many of us have a digestive tract trying to function in optimal mode with sub-optimal conditions and nutrients.
That’s why most of us need a little extra help getting our digestive tract –back on track. There are a number of ways to help digestion; today I’ll share two of them. I’ll start with soaking – that is soaking nuts and seeds. Kimberly Snyder’s clients include some of Hollywood’s most particular dieters. She teaches them (and us), “Always soak nuts and seeds in water before eating them.” She explains that nuts and seeds have an inhibitor enzyme on their surface and soaking helps. She adds, “Soaking also activates beneficial enzymes and helps convert many of the stored nutrients from dormant to active and available.”
To soak raw nuts and seeds, just place in a container and cover with one-to-two inches of water. The harder the consistency of the nut, the longer it needs to soak. Almonds need about 24 hours but walnuts and brazil nuts need only six hours or so, and pine nuts and macadamia need just two or less. Seeds like sunflower and pumpkin can soak overnight. It’s a good idea to rinse soaked nuts before using them but they can be stored in the refrigerator in water up to two days.
Kimberly Snyder admits she makes this process a bit easier with this simplified method. She says, “I often throw a bunch of different nuts into a bowl and let them soak overnight to save time.” If you want the nuts to be totally dry for a certain recipe or to snack, you can dehydrate them after soaking. The dehydrator dries at low temperatures which preserves food enzymes and nutrients.
So, guys, if you have zero digestive issues and are not dealing with illness, disregard this segment and eat on. If you are fighting disease or have sub-optimal digestion, give nut-soaking a try. What an easy way to make sure our body can use the remarkable benefits God placed in these wonder foods.
And here’s one more tip for great digestion before I go. Don’t forget to sprout! Sprouted seeds are beneficial for any health-conscious eater, but they are especially valuable for those fighting illness or with poor digestion. Here’s what Kimberly Snyder has to say, “Sprouts are in essence, a predigested food whose nutrients are extremely easy for your body to assimilate and use.” She goes on to remind us how through sprouting the dormant proteins convert to amino acids, concentrated fats convert to fatty acids and vitamins in seeds like B complex and vitamin C can be increased by up to 2,000 percent during the spouting process. Sprouts are power-packed with nutrients that are easy to assimilate right where your body needs them! You can purchase an inexpensive sprouting lid online and use a recycled wide-mouth jar and order some sprouting seeds (broccoli are my recommendation but there are many options).
As a reminder…here’s our Healthy Nuts and Seeds Prescription:
¼ Cup Nuts and 1 Tablespoon Seeds Daily (and as we learned today, soaked or sprouted better digestion)
Are you ready to give this a try? Since this is an action series, I hope you’ll get started right away. Get those nuts soaking and order a simple sprouting lid and seeds. I think you (and your belly) will be glad you did! Now we’re nutty, soaked and sprouted – all in one healthy day!
We’re building healthy habits today for a healthier tomorrow!
