My Almond Notes:
Almonds [Organic, Raw] are a staple in my diet. They are easy to grab 'n go, they travel well, they are packed with nutrition. If eaten [properly] they can be an amazing source of nutrition. I survived on them (quite literally -being gluten free and not being able to eat crackers during the first trimester of my pregnancy, I ate almonds allllll day; and being in full time school until the end of my pregnancy, almonds kept me sane in long lectures). Almonds are so high in nutrition and are one of the greatest energy sources during pregnancy -trust me! They provide excellent nourishment for both you and baby... eat up!
Almonds have one of the highest protein concentrations ounce for ounce than any other food. Sixteen times more protein per milligram than any other protein source. Digestion in your body is set according to the first foods you put int your mouth in the morning. Eating protein first lets the pancreas know how much protease to release for proper digestion. Eating carbohydrates before protein gives the pancreas an inaccurate account of how much protease to have available to process the food as it travels down the intestines. *
This is why first thing in the morning I eat 11-12 soaked almonds. I soak them in purified water overnight at least, sometimes longer (never soak more than 72 hours). Soaking the almonds in purified water releases the nitrogen, which when digested will set the full strength of hydrochloric acid in your stomach for a day of optimal protein digestion.
Almonds are covered in toxic enzyme-inhibiting substances (for their own survival) which is not really beneficial to us. Soaking the almonds overnight (at least 6 hours, no longer than 72 hours) removes these toxic enzyme inhibitors so that the enzymes secreted during digestion can do their job. Phytic acid (can inhibit some absorption of minerals) is reduced. You can see the debris in the water from these soaked almonds:
These almonds are raw, organic almonds... you should see the almonds I bought once that were non-organic. I soaked them overnight, and you literally could not see through the water. It was murky and there was an overwhelming amount of gross debris. Triple the amount in the ones I have pictured here. Moral of the story? Buy organic and soak overnight! You'll love the benefits.
Namaste,
*(Yes, No, Maybe, Chronobiotic Nutrition by Marcella Vonn Harting and G.I. "Atom" Bergstrom )
This is very interesting information. I have never heard of the need to soak your almonds. Thank you for sharing!
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