The Many Health Benefits of Sprouted Nuts
This blog post appears on Daily Crunch Snacks’ website.
If you’re a busy parent on the go, an athlete looking for a post-workout bite, a traveler looking for a road trip snack … or anything in between! … nuts and seeds are the perfect grab and go nutritious nosh.
But when considering which nut or seed snack fits best with your health goals and lifestyle, the choices can be overwhelming!
As you mull over snack options to promote lifelong health, sprouted nuts should be at the top of your list. But why? In this blog post, we’re breaking down the health benefits of soaked and sprouted nuts for those looking to incorporate this delicious superfood into their snack rotation.
How almonds are grown
For those curious learners who need to know every detail about the foods they eat (we’re raising our hands!), perhaps you’re wondering how almonds are grown in the first place.
You may be surprised to learn that almonds are a “stone fruit,” or the seed of a fruit called “drupe.” Drupes are fleshy on the outside and contain a shell covering a seed on the inside. When we eat an almond, what we’re actually consuming is this seed!
Almond drupes grow on trees and they mature in the fall, which is seven to eight months after flowering. The tree grows dormant in the winter, which allows it to recharge and grow almond drupes all over again the following year!
Health benefits of soaked and sprouted nuts
In contrast to raw or roasted nuts, sprouted nuts are soaked in water until they’ve begun to germinate (soaking typically takes 3-12 hours!). In order to properly sprout, the nuts must be kept in a moist and humid environment, which makes them susceptible to bacterial growth. Since it’s so tricky to soak nuts in a sterile environment at home, it’s not recommended to sprout nuts yourself at home.
But what are the health benefits of sprouted nuts anyway? Let’s find out!
Improved nutrient content and digestibility
Some research indicates that soaking and sprouting nuts can lead to an increase in the amount of antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamin B found inside. In addition, sprouting improves the overall nutritional quality amongst grains and legumes, including almonds!
Higher absorption of vitamins and minerals
Phytic acid is an antinutrient, or compound that reduces the absorption of certain nutrients within the body. Those who focus a majority of their food intake on grains and legumes (like vegetarians and vegans), are more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies due to high phytic acid content. Phytic acid is commonly found on raw and roasted almonds – in fact, you can even see the phytic acid ringe off almonds when wet! Pretty gross, huh?
However, sprouted nuts and legumes reduce antinutrient content and boost the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals! Plus, sprouting can help lower harmful phytic acid by up to 81 percent.
Keeps you full for longer
Those with demanding schedules know that sometimes, grabbing a nutritious snack between meals is tough! Sprouted grains and nuts are high in fiber, which helps you feel full and satiated for a longer period of time. The high fiber content in sprouted nuts also promotes healthy blood sugar control and slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream!
Promotes heart health
Increasing your whole grain and nut intake can help lower cholesterol levels, which is one of the key risk factors for heart disease. Sprouted nuts can also help decrease high blood pressure, which keeps the heart healthy.
One study even found that those who ate sprouted legumes at least four times per week had a 22 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease when compared to those who ate sprouted legumes less than once per week!
Versatile
Sprouted grains and legumes are very tasty and can easily be added to your favorite recipes! Try them chopped on top of a soup or salad or as a standalone snack paired with your favorite fruit or veggie.
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate sprouted nuts into your snack routine, it’s important to know that not all nuts are created equal!
For times when you’re looking for a healthy bite, Daily Crunch Snacks has got you covered. Our sprouted nuts have a crunchy texture that’s light and airy. And, clean ingredients embody the health benefits listed above with no additives or preservatives and minimal to no sugar or oil! So satisfy crunch cravings while staying true to your health goals … and these poppable treats were made to share with a friend. :)
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Are you feeling hungry for a sprouted nut snack yet? We hope this blog post can serve as a helpful guide as you familiarize with the many health benefits of sprouted nuts. As always, we at Daily Crunch Snacks are here to root for you on your journey toward lifelong health and wellness. Feel free to visit our FAQ page to learn more!