Soaking food before eating improves texture and reduces cooking time, and removes gas-causing compounds. Scroll down to find out more.
There can be a number of ways to consume a variety of foods for maximum health benefits. One of these popular and healthy ways is to soak food before consuming it directly. Soaking is a method used for centuries throughout the world. It is a vital step that is practiced before cooking food, especially nuts and legumes. Soaking food before pouring it onto your plate can reduce phytic acids and improve the body’s absorption of essential nutrients. Improves texture and reduces cooking time, and eliminates gas-causing compounds. Here is a list of foods that you should soak before consuming for full health benefits.
Foods you should soak before eating
1. Nuts
Soaking the nuts before eating them minimizes nutritional inhibitors or toxic substances that are absorbed into the water. As walnuts are a great source of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, zinc, iron, etc., soaking them overnight can make them easy to digest and reduce cooking time to a great extent.
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2. Legumes
Legumes are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, which promote a healthy body and general well-being. They contain phytic acid, which is a compound that prevents the body from absorbing essential vitamins and nutrients. Soaking beans before cooking helps break down phytic acid and other antinutrients, making them healthier and easier to digest.
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3. Rice
Several studies advocate that soaking rice before cooking reduces arsenic levels by 80 percent and reduces the chances of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Rice also has some amounts of phytic acid that reduce better absorption of nutrients and make it difficult to digest. Therefore, soaking them before cooking is vital to promoting better health and well-being.
4. oats
Oats are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are vital for a healthy body. Phytic acid is also a compound found in oats, which hinders the absorption of nutrients and the digestion process. So, to enjoy the health benefits of oats, rinse them well with water and soak them for around 8-12 hours before cooking.
5. Whole grains
Whole grains such as wheat, barley, millet, quinoa, black, brown or red rice, farro and many others are an abundant source of vital nutrients for the body. Harvard University, replacing refined grains with whole grains and eating at least 2 servings of whole grains a day may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Phytic acid is a component of many whole grains, so soak them well before eating. cook them to enjoy their health benefits.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.)
Categories: Lifestyle News
Source: vtt.edu.vn