By Tarishi Shrivastava
April 16, 2024
Many people have adopted the habit of soaking walnuts before consuming them. There are various reasons why it is good for your health, from improving digestibility to enhancing nutrient absorption. Read on to understand why soaking walnuts is advisable:
Soaking nuts, including walnuts, in water for several hours or overnight is believed to reduce the levels of enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, making them easier to digest.
Walnuts contain natural compounds, including tannins, which contribute to their bitter taste. Soaking walnuts in water can help reduce the bitterness by leaching out some of these compounds.
Soaking walnuts may also enhance the absorption of nutrients present in the nuts. By reducing the levels of phytic acid, soaking can help release bound minerals, making them more bioavailable for absorption in the digestive tract.
Soaking walnuts in water with added salt or vinegar is believed to help disinfect and clean the nuts by removing mould, bacteria and other contaminants that may be present on the nut's surface, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
Soaked walnuts have a softer texture compared to raw walnuts, which can be easily blended into smoothies, sauces, or nut milks, resulting in a smoother consistency.
Walnuts are nutrient-dense nuts renowned for their rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which supports heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.