Soaking almonds and walnuts overnight and then removing the thin brown skin has long become a eating habit for many families. Many people believe that this skin contains toxins, which can be harmful if eaten directly. However, according to medical experts, this view is unscientific and needs to be reconsidered.
Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, general practitioner and neuroscientist, trained at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (India), currently collaborating with Neuromed Clinic in Gurugram, directly answered this question.
Ms. Priyanka Sehrawat affirmed that the peel of almonds and walnuts does not contain toxins and is completely safe to eat.
According to Dr. Sehrawat, soaking seeds is not to detoxify as many people think. The thin brown skin of almonds and walnuts has no toxins at all. You can eat them raw, with skin, without harming the body.
So why is soaking seeds encouraged? The answer lies in a natural compound called phytic acid. This is a substance found in the shells of many nuts, cereals and beans. phytic acid is not toxic, but can hinder the absorption of some important minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and omega-3.
The only problem with the shell of almonds and walnuts is phytic acid. This substance reduces the ability to absorb nutrients from the seeds themselves as well as from other foods," Dr. Sehrawat explained.
When phytic acid is attached to minerals, it will be more difficult for the body to put them into the blood, causing nutritional value to be reduced somewhat.
Soaking seeds in water helps activate natural enzymes, thereby reducing the amount of phytic acid. As a result, minerals and beneficial fats in seeds are absorbed more effectively. This is the real benefit of soaking, not to eliminate toxins.
However, Dr. Sehrawat also emphasized that soaking is not mandatory. If you don't like the taste or texture of the soaked seeds, you can completely eat raw almonds and walnuts, keeping the skin intact.
Phytic acid reduces absorption, but it is not harmful. If you don't like eating soaked seeds, you can still eat them as usual," said Priyanka Sehrawat.
According to experts, a balanced and diverse diet is the most important factor. Mineral absorption not only depends on a type of food or a small habit, but on the overall daily diet.
Almond and walnut peels are non-toxic and do not need to be removed for health concerns. Soaking seeds is only an option to improve nutrient absorption, not a mandatory rule. Understanding the true nature will help consumers eat more flexibly, avoiding unnecessary worries.
(The article is for reference only, not for professional advice. Always consult a doctor or medical expert if you have questions).
