Soak what? Did you know that you can soak and sprout grains, beans, nuts, and seeds for added health benefits? You can and it’s easy, but takes a little forethought. All you need are raw grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, a bowl, and some water. Decide if you want to soak and/or sprout and use this handy article to determine the time. Once they are ready, you can use them in a variety of ways – raw, dehydrated, or cooked. Now onto why it’s important to soak and sprout!  

Improves digestibility

Soaking activates beneficial enzymes in grains, beans, nuts, and seeds making these foods easier on digestion. With grains and beans, the soaking process also breaks down sugars and starches for easier digestibility.

Increases nutrient availability

Before soaking, the nutrients and energy in dried grains, beans, nuts, and seeds are dormant. Soaking germinates them making nutrients like folate, vitamin C, B12, iron, magnesium, zinc, protein and even fiber more bioavailable.

Removes anti-nutrients

Anti-nutrients sound unappetizing, but they are actually the natural protectants that plants grow to protect themselves from pests. Anti-nutrients like phytic acid, saponins, and lectins can be hard to digest, inhibit digestive enzymes, create inflammation, and bind to minerals in the body! Soaking and sprouting helps to deactivate these anti-nutrients.

Speeds up cooking time

Once your grains and beans have soaked, they’ll cook a lot faster. Your dinner can be ready in a record time leading to healthy meals more often – a win-win.