Last updated on September 21st, 2018 at 09:10 am
Ever since I was a kid, my mother soaked almonds in water overnight and made sure that I never skip eating them every morning. In fact, it is a common thing that is followed by most mothers since ages. To be very honest I love almonds and was always very curious to know more about them. Once I grew up, I studied about them, consulted my doctor friends and found out that the efforts of our mothers are worth it. Almonds soaked in water are indeed a powerhouse of nutrients and consuming them on a regular basis can be a huge boon for us. If you are equally curious, as I was before to know why almonds are so popular, and why it is soaked overnight before consuming then this post is a worth read for you. Today I am going to discuss about the top 20 benefits of soaked almonds for health, skin and hair that will make you fall in love with them.
Almonds or “Prunus dulcis” are a type of nut that belongs to the family of “Rosaceae” and are native to Middle East and North Africa. They are drupes with an outer hull and hard shell with the seed in them. The word almond is derived from the French word “almande” or “alemande” and Latin word “amandula” that further came from Greek word “amygdala”. Almonds are cultivated in several parts of the world including Greece, Australia, and Spain with California topping the list in the global market. California almonds are considered to be the best among all available varieties of almonds.
Almonds are available in the market in various forms such as sliced (flaked, slivered), whole, and flour and are definitely the most nutritious one out of all the available nuts. While almonds can be eaten on its own, several delicacies are topped with them in order to add that unique and nutty flavor to the dishes. Almond oil that is so healthy for our hair is yielded from almond nuts. Besides, you can also make almond butter or milk from soaked almonds those that also form a part of several savory and sweet dishes across India, Middle East and other Asian countries.
There is no doubt that almonds are truly beneficial for our health. But why do we soak it and what are the health benefits of soaked almonds? Well that’s what we are going to discover today. But before getting into the benefits of soaked almonds, let me discuss about the constituents that makes them so healthy for our skin, hair and overall health.
What are the constituents in almonds?
Almond is a super food containing a huge variety of nutrients starting from fats, minerals, vitamins and many phytonutrients.
Here are few of the nutrients found in almond
- Fats
- Carbohydrates
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Dietary fiber
- Protein
- Vitamin A, C, B6, B12,D, E
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Riboflavin
- Folate
- Niacin
- Copper
- Alpha tocopherol
Here’s a detailed study published at the website of the Florida State University by Erin Kelly Monaghan that you may like to check to know more.
Why are soaked almonds better than raw almonds?
It is always suggested to soak the almonds in water before consuming them. Ever wondered why? Well this is because the brown outer peel of almonds contain tannin, a substance that inhibit the absorption of nutrients by our body. However, when you soak them in water, the peel gets removed and thereby releasing all the nutrients. Besides, soaking them in water decomposes the gluten content and releases phytic acid that is beneficial for our health.
Even if almonds can be eaten in any form, when soaked our body get to absorb more nutrients much easily. So soak your almonds overnight in water in order to draw the maximum health benefits.
20 Benefits of soaked almonds for health, skin and hair
The list of problems faced by an individual is uncountable but consuming almonds on a daily or frequent basis can fight many of your health, skin and hair problems easily. Almonds contain several antioxidants that are very nutritious and make almonds a necessary ingredient in our daily diet chart.
Leading a healthy and disease free life is probably the wish that each individual has. But, with so many germs and impurities all around, people today suffer from a whole lot of health issues which has made living difficult for us. Therefore, since health is everyone’s top priority, let me start with the health benefits of soaked almonds that will enable you to live happily.
Here are some of the top health benefits of soaked almonds that will make you love consuming them regularly.
Healthy heart
Heart is the most important organ of your body. It’s every pump enables your survival in this planet. But with so much of oily foods, stress and hypertension, our heart is at risk every single time, ignoring which, might lead to several cardiovascular diseases that are life threatening. However, consuming soaked almonds is good for heart and studies have already proved its effectiveness in reducing the risk of coronary heart diseases.
So how does an almond protect heart? Come let’s find out.
- High cholesterol is one of the vital causes behind heart attacks and with almonds soaked in water; you can reduce the level of bad cholesterol largely. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), found in soaked almonds lower the amount of ‘bad cholesterol” or Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) from your blood. Besides, they also contain Vitamin E that aids in the process and helps to keep your heart healthy.
- Hypertension and high blood pressure is another leading factor behind heart failures. But with soaked almond, you can control your blood pressure. Almonds contain sodium and potassium that helps your body control the pressure levels. Further, the magnesium and folic acid content in almonds lower the risk of artery congestion.
Promotes weight loss
Being overweight is certainly not good and if you are struggling to lose weight then almonds may be beneficial for you. You can now reduce your bodyweight by consuming water soaked almonds regularly. Almonds are loaded with monounsaturated fats that give you the feeling of fullness for a long time and thus help you curb your appetite. This reduces your daily calorie intake that in turn facilitates weight loss. So people who are overweight must make it their daily habit to eat water soaked almonds every morning and it will certainly help you put off some weight.
Prevent cancer
Cancer, which is another life threatening disease, can be prevented by frequent intake of almond nuts. A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, which was published in “Cancer Letters” showed positive effects of almonds in treating rats with colon cancer.
In fact, it is also believed that the Vitamin E content in almonds prevent your body from the free radicals which are said to be the leading cause behind oxidative stress and cancer development. The flavonoids present also suppress the growth of tumors in your body. Therefore, please incorporate almonds in your diet chart regularly.
Boosts your digestive system
People who find it difficult to digest foods easily may take the help of almonds. Once the outer coating of the nuts is gone by soaking, the nuts become easily digestible by our digestive system. Soaked almonds release “lipase’, an enzyme that helps to digest the fats in the foods easily thereby making the process of digestion smoother and easier.
In addition, the healthy fiber present in them eases the bowel movement and enables your intestine to absorb more amounts of nutrients. Consumption of soaked almonds also increase the number of good bacteria in your large intestines that help in the defecation process.
Good for brain
If you want better functioning of your brain then do consume soaked almonds on a regular basis each morning. The presence of riboflavin and L-carnitine accelerates your brain activity. They help in better retention of memory and also improve your concentration level.
In fact, researchers say that just around 4- 6 soaked almonds a day acts as the perfect brain tonic and boosts your central nervous system. You can also prevent the occurrence of Alzheimer disease with consumption of almonds. Therefore, make almond the favorite morning or evening snack for you as well as for your kids.
Prevents constipation
Many people suffer from the problem of constipation but with almonds, you can make your bowel movement easy. The soaked almonds contain several insoluble fibers that add bulk to your stool and enable the smooth movement of your excreta. This saves you from the pain of constipation and the other side effects that accompany constipation.
Strengthen your bones
With age, your bones get weak. Therefore, you need to consume soaked almonds daily in adequate amounts. Soaked almonds contain calcium and vitamin D that helps your body maintain bone mass.
The magnesium content helps your body absorb more amount of calcium, thereby aiding in the process. Besides, with almond consumption, you can also prevent osteoporosis, a condition where your bones becomes more fragile and susceptible to fracture.
Prevents diabetes
Diabetes, which is the 7th leading killer in the world can be prevented with almond intake. Soaked almonds have low glycemic index and contain some amount of fiber that can maintain normal blood sugar level. One study published in “Metabolism”, proved that consuming 2 ounces of almonds result to reduction in levels of fasting glucose and fasting insulin. In fact, the participants here cut off their calorie intake to accommodate more almonds so that they do not end up having extra calories. Another study published in “Journal of American College of Nutrition” confirmed an increase in insulin sensitivity in pre-diabetes with almond intake. Besides, almonds also contain high levels of magnesium, which reduces the occurrence of Type II diabetes.
Excellent during pregnancy
Expected mothers are recommended by doctors to have adequate amounts of soaked almonds daily. But do you know why? Well almonds are an energy booster that increases the stamina in pregnant mothers which in turn is very important for the development of the fetus.
Also, the folic acid present in them help in the process of delivery as well as lessen the risk of any birth defects like neural tube defect in the newborn baby.
Prevents anemia
Regular consumption of soaked almonds can protect you from anemia, a condition where there is drastic fall in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. However, almonds are rich in iron, which play an important role in the formation of the red blood cells and hemoglobin.
This further enables proper oxygen transport throughout your body. Therefore, people who suffer from anemia or have anemic tendencies must make it a habit to consume soaked almonds every morning.
Boosts your immune system
As I keep saying, proper functioning of the immune system enables an individual to live hale and hearty. The stronger your immune system, the more will be the ability of your body to fight disease causing germs.
It is believed that soaked almonds have prebiotic effect, that is, they promote the growth of good bacteria that strengthens our gastrointestinal tract, which in turn is important for our body to prevent diseases. Almonds also facilitates healthy metabolism of your body and help you lead a healthy and disease free life.
Benefits of soaked almonds for Skin
Healthy, glowing skin makes you look beautiful even if you do not have sharp facial features. Therefore, it is the desire of every individual to have naturally healthy skin and eating soaked almonds can really help. Almonds are there to rescue you from all sorts of skin troubles. The various nutrients present in almonds makes them extremely beneficial for your skin.
So, let us discuss the various benefits of soaked almonds for skin.
Natural moisturizer
Almonds are natural moisturizers for your skin. The Vitamin E present in them nourishes your skin and makes it healthy. So if you suffer from dry skin issues, you can mix almonds with some whipped cream and apply the paste on your skin regularly. This mask will hydrate your skin and make your skin soft and supple.
Makes your skin glow
Simply having fair skin is not enough; you need to have that flawless glow in your face to look attractive. Soaked almonds are very efficient in improving the skin tone and texture, thereby helping you have a healthy glow. They also help in repairing the damaged skin tissues and facilitate the formation of the new healthy cells.
Has anti aging effects
You can maintain your youthful appearance with soaked almonds. They contain Vitamin E and other antioxidants that help your body get rid of the harmful free radicals thereby delaying the aging process. Therefore, if you want ageless beauty, make sure you eat soaked almonds every day.
Exfoliates your skin
Soaked almonds when mixed with honey, lemon or milk can exfoliate your skin. They clean your body of all the dirt and impurities and give you a fresh appearance. You can easily use the paste of soaked almonds as a natural scrubber for your skin.
Fights skin infections
You can get rid of the various skin infections and inflammations with soaked almonds. Fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic present in them has anti-inflammatory properties, thereby give you relief from rashes and other irritations.
Prevents acne
Soaked almonds can treat acne as well. They fight the acne causing bacteria and lessen the occurrence of acne. You have to grind soaked almonds with honey and apply on your acne. This pack not only treats your acne but also fades the marks.
Benefits of soaked almonds for hair
Besides your skin, your hair makes you look good. However, the pollution, dirt and unhealthy eating and living habits may damage hair. But not to worry, with soaked almonds, you can get rid of most of the hair issues easily. You can eat soaked almonds every day or even use them as a hair mask to get gorgeous and voluminous hair.
Come let us discuss some of the surprising benefits of soaked almonds for hair.
Moisturizes your hair naturally
If you want to moisturize your hair naturally, then you can use a hair pack with soaked almonds. You simply need to mash the soaked almonds and mix it with adequate olive oil. Then apply the mixture on your hair. This pack is a naturally moisturizer and provide proper nourishment to your hair.
Lessens hair fall
The nutrients present in soaked almonds strengthens your hair roots, which prevents the hair from falling. The soaked almond hair mask nourishes and conditions your hair from the roots and promotes the growth of new hair follicles.
Improves hair texture
Simply having long locks will not do, you need to work on your hair texture as well. If you have too much dull hair, you can use the soaked almond hair mask to improve the hair texture and add shine and luster on your hair.
How to eat soaked almonds for maximum benefits
We all know that excess of anything is bad. Even if you drink excess water, you feel uncomfortable. Similarly, despite several benefits of soaked almonds, excess consumption may have some side effects. So avoid eating plenty of almonds in a day, unless you are an athlete and have a very active life.
Here are some of the disadvantages of eating excess almonds;
- Almonds have high levels of oxalates, which if not eaten in moderate amounts may result to kidney stones.
- Eating too many almonds may have an adverse effect on your body weight and you may end up gaining extra kilos.
- Almonds are rich in fiber, so eating too much of them may lead to stomach issues.
- Too much of soaked almonds intake may result to allergic reactions in your body
- Soaked almonds contain manganese, therefore while on medication, eating too much can render your medication ineffective.
- Ideally, people over 14 years should not consume Vitamin E more than 15 milligrams per day. Therefore, eating too many soaked almonds, which contains high dosage of Vitamin E can lead to side effects like headaches, nausea, loose stools and fatigue.
- Soaked almonds contain hydrocyanic acid, which if eaten in huge amounts increases the toxic levels in your body.
However, the above-mentioned side effects should never de-motivate you from eating soaked almonds. Eat in moderate amounts like 5-10 almonds a day and enjoy the various health benefits they offer.
Over to you: which benefits of almonds inspire you to eat it daily?
Daily hectic lifestyles often restrict us from pampering ourselves, which results in so many health, skin and hair problems. Nevertheless, you must remember that constantly ignoring oneself may aggravate problems to such extent where things may go out of hand. Therefore, each one of us needs to find that “me” time when we can fondle ourselves and look after our health issues.
Honestly, I believe in the policy of prevention is better than the cure. And you can prevent your health, skin and hair problems from occurring by eating overnight soaked almonds every day. If you can manage few minutes out of your busy schedule, and make it a habit of consuming soaked almonds every day, your efforts will definitely not go in vain. Soaked almonds are an all rounder ingredient that takes good care of not only your health but also your skin and hair.
We have already discussed about the top 20 benefits of soaked almonds for health, skin and hair and if you eat them right, you can certainly live a healthy and happy life. So make sure to eat almonds every day. However, not to forget, make sure you eat in moderate amounts and avoid its negative impacts.
Are you an almond lover? Did you witness the benefits of soaked almonds? Do share me your feedback and feel free to mention any other benefit of soaked almonds, which you have experienced.
Till then stay safe, stay healthy, stay gorgeous.
