Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 21/03/2012 09:23:01

Title: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: thedoc on 21/03/2012 09:23:01

Amy and Jeff Gossett  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Naked Scientist,

We don't eat meat, so getting vitamins in our food is top of the list. I've heard soaking nuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. have more available nutrients if you soak them.

Is this true?

What do you think?

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Don_1 on 21/03/2012 09:30:03

I wish this question would disappear from the screen, I'm having terrible trouble resisting a lewd comment on 'soaking my nuts'!

I tried soakin(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fmouthzippedshut%2F1.gif&hash=037747c4bf0ab86db4337375f3c71610)...... RESIST, RESIST

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Don_1 on 21/03/2012 09:42:18

Phytic acid, an enzyme inhibitor, is present in nuts. Its purpose is to prevent a nut from germinating until there is sufficient water (rain) to sustain the growth of a new plant. Soaking nuts in warm water mimics this natural process leaching this inhibitor. So when you eat the nut, you are not consuming an enzyme inhibitor. Soaked nuts are also easier to digest.

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Beaglebagel on 26/03/2012 20:45:36

Don1,

Kindered spirits lad,  I struggled with phrasing this question for this very reason!  Suffice to say soaking my nuts will benefit everyone!

Thanks for resisting and the good info.

Jeff

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Bored chemist on 26/03/2012 21:13:05

I prefer my nuts roasted, but that's a personal choice.
However, if I were concerned about getting enough...

...zinc and iron from my diet I would soak any nuts I ate with a view to removing phytic acid because it chelates the trace metals making them less available.

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Don_1 on 27/03/2012 11:08:07

An elderly gent walked into an ice cream parlour and struggled to the counter. "Give me a chocolate sundae please." He said to the girl serving. She asked him "Crushed nuts Grandpa?" He replied, "No, rheumatism."

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: demografx on 29/03/2012 23:21:42

Enough of this! I'm going nuts!

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Geezer on 30/03/2012 02:48:44

I like to have my nuts pickled in vinegar, but it's sometimes a bit difficult to find them.

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Don_1 on 30/03/2012 09:24:14

Quote from: Geezer on 30/03/2012 02:48:44

I like to have my nuts pickled in vinegar.........

Stop right there. This is far too much information, thank you.

I dunno, the things some people do to get their kicks. (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-rolleyes008.gif&hash=facd200907fe90667fcb03c762b651d5) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

Quote from: Geezer on 30/03/2012 02:48:44

........... it's sometimes a bit difficult to find them.

I have that trouble, especially in cold weather.

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Geezer on 30/03/2012 09:34:55

You nitwit! I was referring to walnuts - sheesh!

Title: Re: Does soaking nuts make nutrients more available?
Post by: Don_1 on 30/03/2012 10:02:49

Ooops! (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Flol%2F10.gif&hash=6ec91e8a6973558a9092ab9ab4cf5ba4) Sorry pardon.

'Nitwit'? 'Nitwit'? Why, that's very nearly a compliment for me!