Nuts are one of nature’s most nutritious foods. They are a good source of protein and fibre, and contain a vast number of key vitamins and minerals.

They are also an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support the cardiovascular system, and recommended by the Australian Heart Foundation for promoting healthy cholesterol balance.

So what if you could eat nuts that provide even more health benefits? This is where activated nuts come in.

WHAT ARE ACTIVATED NUTS?

Activated nuts are raw nuts that have been soaked thoroughly for several hours and dried. While this is a very simple process, it transforms this food into a highly digestible powerhouse of nutrition, and one of the most healthy snacks you can eat.

THE BENEFITS

Here are some of the main benefits of activating nuts:

1. INCREASES BIOAVAILABILITY OF MINERALS

Many plant foods naturally contain a substance called phytic acid. While this has been shown to be beneficial in small amounts, too much of it in the diet can be harmful and is known as an antinutrient.

Phytic acid is detrimental because it binds to minerals, such as zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese, and prevents their absorption. If you had too many foods high in phytic acid you can easily develop nutrient deficiencies as a result.

2. PROTECTS THE GUT

Nuts contain another type of antinutrient called lectins. Lectins are found in many plant foods, and can cause damage to the gut lining and over-stimulate the immune system, creating inflammation. In genetically-predisposed people, lectins are thought to be one of the triggers of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Soaking for several hours helps reduce lectin content significantly.

3. IMPROVES FLAVOUR

Nuts, particularly walnuts, contain tannins which can make them taste bitter. Soaking nuts helps to remove tannins and give a much smoother, milder taste.

As well as affecting the taste, too much tannin can inhibit your absorption of iron.

WHY BUY ACTIVATED NUTS?

You can activate raw nuts yourself at home. However, if nuts are not properly dried before storing, they can quickly go mouldy.

You may not be able to detect mould as it is not necessarily visible with the naked eye. Mould produces substances called mycotoxins. Most people with healthy immune systems can tolerate a certain level of mycotoxin ingestion or inhalation, and indeed, mycotoxins are ubiquitous in our environment.

If you have a lowered immune system, however, mycotoxins can cause symptoms such as asthma and general malaise.

This is why it’s preferable to buy nuts already activated and dried properly under controlled conditions.

If you do want to activate at home, soak a small amount of nuts at a time and eat them straightaway after soaking. Or, if you have a dehydrator, you can dry nuts thoroughly and store. You can also dry them in the oven, set at a low temperature for several hours.

Be careful not to soak the nuts for longer than necessary as vitamins can start to leach out into the water.

Make sure you store your nuts in the fridge as the cold temperature discourages mould.

HOW TO ACTIVATE NUTS AT HOME

1. Place raw nuts in a large bowl. It doesn’t matter if they still have skins.
2. Add plenty of water along with either lemon juice or vinegar (acidity helps to break down antinutrients).
3. Soak for 8-12 hours.
4. Remove, rinse and eat right away.
5. If you want to store them, dry in the oven for 10-12 hours at about 60Deg C, or use a dehydrator.

WHERE TO BUY ACTIVATED NUTS

To buy activated nuts visit our online store which features a wonderful selection from Totally Nuts including tasty activated nut butters.