No Lifeguard On Duty

When I receive texts from my friends asking me what I’m doing, it’s no surprise for them when I respond like this, “At the water park. Life’s a beach!” I try to frequent water parks (especially Lagoon-a-Beach) as often as I can. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend a long sultry day cooling off in freezing cold water?

I make sure to bring lots of water with me to keep myself hydrated. Snacks are a must too. Next to apples and raisins, almonds may be one of the top snacks I like to take along when I go swimming. Recently, as I was soaking in the water I recalled learning that it’s better to soak raw almonds in water before you eat them. Inquisitive about the idea, I went home to do some research on this process.

Why Soak Almonds?

One of the most nutritious of all nuts, almonds are a delectable source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for proper brain function. Consuming almonds on a regular basis helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL or good cholesterol) in your body and reduce your level of low density lipoproteins (LDL or bad cholesterol), which will lead to stable cholesterol levels.

Unless almonds are properly soaked, our bodies don’t have the digestive power to access and utilize all of the amazing nutrients in them. The enzyme inhibitors in almond skin prevent our bodies from breaking down the nutrients correctly. Soaking allows these enzyme inhibitors to be released into the water, enhancing the almond’s ability to keep your heart healthy with essential fats, antioxidants like vitamin E, and magnesium.

Soaking Almonds

Soaking Almonds

I know I’ve been in the water too long when my fingers and toes get wrinkly, but what about almonds? Here’s how to prepare them for optimum nutrition:

• Use raw, organic almonds.
• Rinse the desired quantity of almonds in purified or filtered water.
• Use a glass or stainless steel bowl to soak the almonds.
• The volume of water should be double that of the almonds.
• Cover the bowl with a cloth or towel.
• Let almonds soak at room temperature.
• Drain the water and rinse the nuts thoroughly after 8-12 hours of soaking.

This process doesn’t take much of your time at all. The water can do nearly all the work while you sleep soundly at night. It should also be noted that if you eat almonds first thing in the morning, they will provide all-day protein digestion. Including almonds in your breakfast routine can easily give your body more nutrients to help it function at maximum performance. Don’t feel limited to eating almonds in the morning. Allow yourself to enjoy eating them throughout the day as a handy and healthy snack. I like to think that almonds help me to stay energized longer at the water park – more swimming, more volleyball, more water slides, more fun!