“Nuts and seeds naturally contain enzyme inhibitors. And by soaking them, you not only release the toxic enzyme inhibitors, but also increase the life and vitality contained within them.”  Avena Originals

How are you doing with exploring some new and different fruits and vegetables that you’ve not eaten before?

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.  (Is 61:11; NIV)

These instructions are a follow-up from last Thursday’s DG.  You might see various recipes for soaking nuts and seeds.  However, this method is taken from Sally Fallon’s book titled Nourishing Traditions.

Pumpkin seeds
- 4 cups of raw, hulled pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- filtered water
Soaking Time: At least 7 hours, or overnight
Dehydrating time: 12-24 hours, until dry and crisp

Pecans or Walnuts
- 4 cups of nuts
- 2 teaspoons seal salt
- filtered water
Soaking time: 7 or more hours (can do overnight)
Dehydrating time: 12-24 hours, until completely dry and crisp.
Pecans can be stored in an airtight container, but walnuts are more susceptible to become rancid so should always be stores in the refrigerator.

Almonds
- 4 cups of almonds
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- filtered water
Soaking time: At least 7 hours, or overnight
Dehydrating Time: 12 -24 hours, until completely dry and crisp

So, when I begin the process, I place the nuts in a large glass bowl.  Then I cover them with filtered water and stir in the salt.  I place a plate on top of the bowl and allow them to sit on the counter for the required time.  I check the nuts periodically during the soaking time to see if more water is needed to keep the nuts covered. 

After the allotted time, I drain the nuts in a colander.  Most recipes call for drying the nuts in a food dehydrator.  This will make the nuts crispy and flavorful.  I have an oldie but goodie food dehydrator.  I place the drained nuts on trays and allow them to dehydrate for the specified time.  Then I store the nuts in glass jars.

Most modern ovens do not have a low enough temperature setting to dry the nuts without actually roasting them, which destroys the good enzymes in the nuts.  Perhaps I’ll write about dehydrators in another DG.

Prayer Power
Father, we love You and adore You.  We are thankful for each new day and for every new thing that we learn about You.

Link of the Day
UNCOMMON Wellness Coaching

Blessings on you as you experiment with making your seeds and nuts easier to digest.

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“Nuts are an extremely nutritious food if properly prepared.”  Sally Fallon

How aware are you of the natural food traditions of your ancestors?

I went down to the grove of nut trees to look at the new growth in the valley, to see if the vines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom.  (Sol. 6:11; NIV)

Most everyone knows of the many health benefits of eating raw nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.  I’ve alluded to the benefits of “soaking nuts” in former posts.  When I first began this process several years ago, very few of my friends and colleagues had adopted the practice.  However, as I review current Internet posts, I see that the process is gaining in popularity, and I’m seeing more and more people incorporate soaking into their healthy lifestyles.  So, what is this all about, anyway?

Sally Fallon is responsible for most of the research reaching our eyes and ears around this topic.  She’s a brilliant researcher, author, and speaker.

Nuts contain high amounts of numerous enzyme inhibitors.
These enzymes are useful to seeds and nuts because it prevents them from sprouting prematurely. However, they also place a strain on the digestive system.  Some people notice various digestive issues such as bloating or gas when eating raw nuts.  Other people notice that they develop mouth ulcers when eating too many raw nuts.

Soaking nuts in warm water will neutralize these enzyme inhibitors, and also help encourage the production of other beneficial enzymes. Those helpful enzymes, in turn, increase your body’s ability to absorb various vitamins.

In summary:

The Benefits of Soaking Nuts and Seeds

• Enzyme inhibitors get neutralized.
• The amount of vitamins your body can absorb increases.
• Digestion is much easier.
• Phytic acid, an inhibitor of the absorption of vital minerals, is reduced.

Stay tuned — Next Tuesday, I’ll give instructions on how to soak nuts and seeds.

Prayer Power
Father, we thank you for your infinite wisdom and care for us.

Link of the Day
UNCOMMON Wellness Coaching

Blessings on you as you move toward “soaking your nuts.”

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