Why should you soak nuts and dry fruits before eating

In most Indian households, soaking nuts and dry fruits overnight before consuming is a common practice. But have you ever thought about the logic behind this age-old practice? Here’s all you need to know about this traditional way of eating nuts and dry fruits, and whether it is good or bad for health. Let’s find out…

What Ayurveda says?
As per the books of Ayurveda, soaking nuts and dry fruits overnight is believed to boost the efficacy of these health enriching nuts and dry fruits. Apart from that, there are several reasons why one must consume them only after soaking as it reduces the warm potency, makes it easy to digest, helps in balancing doshas to name a few. Here are some lesser-known benefits of soaking nuts and dry fruits before eating.

Improves digestion
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong digestion, which revolves around digestive fire also known as agni. It is believed that soaking nuts and dry fruits is believed to activate enzymes and soften the food, making it easier to digest.

Reduced Ama formation
Ama refers to toxins or undigested material that can accumulate in the body and lead to slackening metabolic health and also affect gut health. Soaking nuts is believed to reduce the formation of ama, promoting better digestion and preventing the accumulation of undigested substances and improving overall health.

Balancing doshas
As per Ayurveda, there are three doshas that govern the human body—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It is believed that imbalances in these doshas can lead to several health issues. However, eating soaked nuts and dry fruits are considered to have a calming effect, especially on Vata dosha, helping to balance it.

Minimizing Pitta in the body
Some dry fruits and nuts have warm potency and eating them in excess can aggravate Pitta dosha. Soaking is believed to reduce the warm potency and cool it down and make it more easily digestible for people suffering from digestive ailments and Pitta dosha.

Better nutrient absorption
Soaking can reduce anti-nutrients such as phytic acid, tannins, and enzyme inhibitors present in nuts and dry fruits. This enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, which leads to better absorption.

Hydration
Soaking nuts and dry fruits provides hydration and may help counterbalance the dryness associated with Vata dosha. This is particularly relevant for individuals with a Vata constitution or those experiencing Vata imbalances.

Source of nutrients
It is believed that soaked nuts are excellent sources of protein, fibre, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals. They can help to build immunity, prevent diseases, and strengthen the body.

Easier on the system
Ayurveda suggests that certain individuals may have a sensitive digestive system. Soaking nuts and dry fruits can make them gentler on the stomach, reducing the chances of bloating, stomach ache or digestive discomfort.

Alkalizing effect
Soaked nuts, especially almonds, are considered to have alkalizing properties. Ayurveda suggests that maintaining an alkaline balance in the body contributes to overall health and well-being.

Expert's take
As per nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, use of water in soaking nuts help remove the phytic acid which causes indigestion. Also, the tannin is removed from the nuts when they are soaked in water and thus the taste and texture of the nuts both improve.

While soaking nuts and dry fruits is generally considered beneficial in Ayurveda, it's advisable to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for guidance, before adding dry fruits and nuts to your daily diet, especially if you are suffering from underlying health issues.