Is soaking dry fruits in water the best way to eat dry fruits?
Do you remember being served peeled dry fruits or nuts in water at your breakfast table as kids? Ever wondered why your mum did so? This is a trick that has been passed down for good reason. While our ancestors called it a service of love, science today supports and has proved that soaking or activating dry fruits has ample benefits.
Dry fruits and nuts are considered highly nutritious and beneficial to our health. Considering how hectic most of our lives are, we must keep upping our health game, and dry fruits and nuts are a fantastic option. They have rightly earned their reputation for being one of the perfect superfoods. Read on to find their benefits and how to get the best of them correctly.
Why Are Dry Fruits Good For You
Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, whatever you pick, and dry fruits and nuts are unbeatable regarding their snacking qualities and nutrient content. They are full of good fats, fibers, vitamins, and minerals that substantially impact your overall well-being.
Vitamins:
- Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Minerals:
- Potassium: Important for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
- Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function, bone health, and energy production.
- Iron: Essential for oxygen transport and energy production.
- Calcium: Crucial for bone health and muscle function.
- Copper: Necessary for the formation of red blood cells and connective tissues.
Fiber: Important for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting satiety.
Antioxidants: Polyphenols and flavonoids help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties.
Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fats: these fats benefit heart health and may help lower cholesterol levels.
Soaking Dry Fruits & Nuts vs Not Soaking Dry Fruits & Nuts
We reach out for dry fruits and nuts when we get snacky and would like a healthy alternative to those chips and instant noodles. We know that nuts had a dedicated time of day when our mums were in charge – at breakfast. It could have been the first thing you’re given or one to end your meal with. Did you wonder why, too? Let’s examine why it’s a good idea to soak dry fruits and nuts to activate them.
The humble dry fruit & nut could get better. Activating the dry fruits by soaking them, germinating, and enhancing the nut’s nutritional content. Soak also helps soften the skin and nuts, making it easier to peel off the skin. The skin contains phytates and oxalates that could inhibit vitamin absorption. It also aids with digestion as the nut and fruit are softened. Specific enzyme inhibitors present in the dry form could also cause indigestion, which can be fought by soaking.
Not soaking them to activate the dry fruits and nuts could cause mild bloating and indigestion and may not entirely absorb all the goodness. The skin of most nuts contains phytates and oxalates, which may hinder the absorption of some vitamins once eaten.
Top 5 Dry Fruits and Nuts to Soak and Activate
Almonds
Walnuts
Prunes
Figs
Cashews
Benefits of Activating Dry Fruits in Water
There are ample benefits to eating dry fruits and nuts as is, but if you would like to harness their powers, soak and activate them entirely. It’s a simple step you could take to;
- Ease digestion: soaking the nuts in water softens the fruit, which means better digestion. You could reduce bloating and promote better bowel movements as well.
- Boost absorption of nutrients: When you soak the nut and fruit, germination of the nut begins – which stage is when its nutrients are most potent.
- Regulated blood sugar: Soaked dry fruits for people with diabetes are an excellent option. They reduce insulin spikes while providing an energy boost.
- Enhance heart health: Nuts like walnuts and almonds contain omega 3. Omega 3 is a fatty acid that reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
- Improves skin health: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, dry fruits and nuts, when soaked, can genuinely enhance skin health. They reduce oxidative stress, reducing signs of aging, acne, dullness, and dryness and bringing in a healthy, youthful glow.
- Improved immunity: Immunity is something a lot of people struggle with. This could be combated by incorporating soaked dry fruits and nuts. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. Being rich in vitamins, minerals, and fats helps strengthen your immunity and keep illnesses at bay.
How to Activate Dry Fruits
The best way to activate dry fruits and nuts is easy.
- Add a handful of your favorite dry fruits or nuts to a container with a lid the night before consumption.
- Pour enough water to submerge the nuts.
- Cover the container with its lid.
- Store it in your refrigerator or any place you’d like
- Open the container the following morning.
- Eat with the skin or peel if you’d like
It’s that simple!
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few straightforward measures that you could take to make sure you’re nourishing your body and mind. Dry fruits and nuts are nature’s jewels that can enrich our well-being, whether eaten as a nutritious snack or added to various dishes.
FAQs
- How do you store dry fruits and nuts?
Dry fruits and nuts need to be stored correctly. They should be stored in an airtight container and kept on a cool, dry shelf away from direct heat. If you’d like to prolong the shelf life of your dry fruit and nut stock, you can store them in a refrigerator or freezer.
- How do you activate dry fruits and nuts?
You can activate dry fruits and nuts by taking the required amount in a closeable container, adding a small amount of water, and covering the container with its lid. This container can be kept on your shelf and left out overnight.
- How long do I need to soak the dry fruits and nuts to activate them?
They must be soaked in water for approximately 6-8 hours to be activated.
- Is it essential to soak dry fruits and nuts overnight?
You need not soak dry fruits and nuts overnight. You can consume them as they are if you want a quick snack. They’re perfect for when you’re on the run. They’re a no-hassle, no-mess, quick pick-me-up snack.
- Where can I purchase good quality dry fruits & nuts?
You can purchase top-quality dry fruits and nuts from Rostaa’s stores and online on rostaa.in. We have a wide range of dry fruits and nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, dates, trail mixes, and seeds. Basics that can be a staple in your pantry or office.