Soak Your Way To Better Digestion: 7 Foods That Should Be Soaked In Water

Soaking sure meals in water earlier than consumption is a typical follow that has been adopted for generations. All of us have observed how sure meals cook dinner quicker after soaking, and the way some meals flip softer when dipped in water for a couple of hours. Soaking some (not all) meals in water earlier than consumption can profit us in various methods. The method of soaking permits for the removing of naturally occurring compounds that will make the meals troublesome to digest or intrude with nutrient absorption.  

Soaking strategies range relying on the meals however usually contain protecting the meals in water and leaving it to soak for a number of hours or in a single day. Soaking is a straightforward and efficient method that may result in improved well being and a extra pleasurable consuming expertise. And for that, it is necessary to know which meals are higher soaked earlier than cooking and consuming.   

Additionally Learn: Should You Soak Mangoes In Water Before Eating? Nutritionist Busts Myths

Right here’re 7 Meals That Ought to Be Soaked In Water:

1. Nuts 

Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal, in one among her Instagram posts, explains, “Uncooked nuts include excessive ranges of phytic acid, which acts because the outer layer of the nuts to guard them from exterior components. After we devour nuts straight, it causes irritation within the abdomen and prevents nutrient absorption.” Nuts are densely populated with vitamins, that are extra available if soaked in water to do away with dangerous and nutrient inhibitors current within the meals. Soaking nuts like almonds and walnuts additionally makes them softer and simpler to eat. 

2. Legumes 

All of us soak rajma, chane and different onerous legumes in water, earlier than cooking them. Ever questioned why? Legumes additionally include big quantities of phytic acid and lectins. Soaking them in water earlier than cooking or consuming reduces the degrees of those compounds and breaks down advanced starch and proteins, making them simpler to cook dinner and digest. The method additionally brings down cooking time, giving us softer legumes. 

Additionally Learn: Should You Soak Fruits In Water? Here’s The Answer

3. Grains 

Soaking grains like rice and quinoa in water earlier than cooking or consuming could make their vitamins extra bioavailable. Soaking grains may cut back cooking time and make them simpler to digest. Rice is commonly soaked in water for round half an hour earlier than boiling. This helps pull out starch from the rice, take away impurities and make the rice fluffier because the grains swell up.  

5. Some Greens 

Soaking greens just isn’t as widespread as different meals teams, however some powerful or fibrous greens like potatoes, cauliflower, onion and kale, can profit from a fast soak in water. Soaking could make the greens extra tender and removes all dust.  

6. Dried Fruits 

Dried fruits, resembling apricots, dates, figs, and raisins, are wealthy in fibre and antioxidants. However they’re additionally wealthy in sulfites, which may result in allergic reactions in some individuals. Soaking dried fruits in water can cut back the quantity of sulfites and make these meals safer for consumption. 

Additionally Learn: 5 Benefits Of Eating Overnight Soaked Dry Fruits On An Empty Stomach

7. Oats 

Overnight-soaked oats are a preferred breakfast meal. However there’s a play of science behind the method of soaking them. It softens the oats and makes them simpler to digest with out the necessity of cooking them. 

Along with bettering digestion and nutrient absorption, soaking may improve the flavour and texture of the meals. It’d sound like a tedious job, however belief us, it is value it!