[thedoc (OP)]

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?

[Don_1]

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...... RESIST, RESIST

[Don_1]

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.

[Beaglebagel]

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

[Bored chemist]

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.

[Don_1]

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."

[demografx]

Enough of this! I'm going nuts!

[Geezer]

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

[Don_1]

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.

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

I have that trouble, especially in cold weather.

[Geezer]

You nitwit! I was referring to walnuts - sheesh!

[Don_1]

Ooops! Sorry pardon.

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