Soaking sure meals in water earlier than consumption is a standard apply that has been adopted for generations. We all have seen how sure meals prepare dinner sooner 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 numerous methods. The means of soaking permits for the removing of naturally occurring compounds that will make the meals tough to digest or intrude with nutrient absorption.  

Soaking methods fluctuate relying on the meals however typically contain masking the meals in water and leaving it to soak for a number of hours or in a single day. Soaking is an easy and efficient method that may result in improved well being and a extra pleasant consuming expertise. And for that, it is vital to know which meals are higher soaked earlier than cooking and consuming.   

Also Read: Should You Soak Mangoes In Water Before Eating? Nutritionist Busts Myths

Here’re 7 Foods That Should Be Soaked In Water:

1. Nuts 

Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal, in one in every of her Instagram posts, explains, “Raw nuts contain high levels of phytic acid, which acts as the outer layer of the nuts to protect them from external factors. When we consume nuts directly, it causes irritation in the stomach 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 

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

Also Read: 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 also can cut back cooking time and make them simpler to digest. Rice is usually 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 Vegetables 

Soaking greens just isn’t as frequent 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 grime.  

6. Dried Fruits 

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

Also Read: 5 Benefits Of Eating Overnight Soaked Dry Fruits On An Empty Stomach

Dates are simpler to digest when soaked in water.
Photo Credit: iStock

7. Oats 

Overnight-soaked oats are a preferred breakfast meal. But 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. 

In addition to bettering digestion and nutrient absorption, soaking also can improve the flavour and texture of the meals. It may sound like a tedious activity, however belief us, it is price it!