Nuts are considered an excellent appetite suppressor and yummy snack, but did you know that sprouted nuts also come packed with lots of benefits and nutritious value?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s discuss a bit about sprouted nuts. Sprouted nuts are plain nuts that have been soaked in the water long enough to germinate and eventually sprout. Today, we’re providing you all the information on sprouted nuts with regards to their benefits, nutrition, and much more.
Let’s Talk Nutrition
Scientifically speaking, there is no proper evidence that proves the nutritional changes in the grains and legumes before and after the sprouting.
However, studies conducted on sprouting certain grains and legumes showed that it could boost their levels of antioxidants, amino acids, and Vitamin B. That’s not all! The studies also indicated that it could reduce the anti-nutrients such as phytic acid, the anti-nutrients that stop the absorption of vital vitamins and minerals.
Another study showed another narrative, which proved that there was, in fact, significant change in the nutrition of the nuts but not what you would expect. This study was conducted on almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts.
All four nuts were placed in different groups; raw, soaked in saline for 4 to 12 hours or soaked in plain water for 12 hours. The results showed a different picture, which indicated that soaking decreased the mineral content, and the phytate concentration remained the same.
Types of Sprouted Nuts
Whether or not their nutritional contents change, one thing is consistent – their delicious taste. There are many sprouted nuts that you can choose from, and that can be easily found at the grocery or any healthy food store.
If you do not want to buy the ones in the store, you also have the option of making sprouted nuts and legumes in the comfort of your own home as well. You can find many sprouted nuts such as sprouted pecans, sprouted pistachios, sprouted almonds, sprouted cashews, and many more.
Their Shelf-Life
Since you can’t roast sprouted nuts, the chances of them becoming hubs for bacterial growth are higher than raw nuts. This is why sprouted nuts have a shorter shelf-life than raw ones. Many sources indicate that store-bought sprouted nuts can be stored for 2-3 months in the pantry and even longer if you store them in the freezer.
So even if there is no clear evidence of their nutritional benefit, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your sprouted nuts.