Health Benefits of Soaking Almonds in Water Before Eating

Benefits of Soaked Almonds

Almonds are fruit from the tree species Prunus dulcis which is from the family Rosacea. An almond fruit is composed of an outer juicy flesh and a thin, leathery covering, enclosing a hard shell that contains the seed—which is, coincidentally, the edible part of the fruit. This seed is called an "almond." Almonds probably originated in Western Asia and North Africa in the Mediterranean region. Nowadays, California is the largest producer of almonds in the world.

About Almonds

Almonds take on two primary forms: They are either sweet or bitter. Sweet almonds are usually eaten while bitter almonds are used for oil. Bitter almonds can be identified by the flowers, which are often pink. Bitterness in almonds is due to the hydrocyanic acid content in the fruit. This is, however, removed during the oil manufacturing process. Any kernel or seed that is consumable but is enclosed by a hard covering is called a nut. Almonds are often referred to as a nut, but botanically speaking almonds are actually a "drupe." A drupe is a fleshy fruit with a thin skin. In this article, I talk about:

• Why Is It Better to Soak Almonds in Water Before Eating?
• How to Use Almonds
• Nutrient Levels in Almonds
• Ayurvedic Uses for Almonds
• Benefits of Almond Milk (With Bonus Recipe!)

Why Is It Better to Soak Almonds in Water Before Eating Them?

• Dry almonds contain an enzyme inhibitor in the skin which is basically meant to protect the seed until it comes in contact with moisture for germination. Once the almonds are soaked in water this enzyme inhibitor is released.
• Eating pre-soaked almonds makes them easier to digest and also makes more nutrients available for digestion. In fact, most nuts and seeds are easier to digest and have better nutrient availability when soaked overnight before consumption.
• Soaking, also known as sprouting, when done for 24 hours not only makes the almond easier to digest, but it increases the nutrient density and releases the enzyme lipase which aids in the digestion of fats. (Cassady et al. 2009)

Uses for Almonds

Almonds can be eaten on their own or added as a garnish for a variety of dishes. They can be eaten raw, fried, baked, salted, blanched or soaked in water. They are also used in the preparation of desserts, ice creams, cakes, cookies and sweets. Almond butter, almond milk, almond flour and almond meal are other very nutritional products.

Non-Food Uses for Almonds

Almond oil is used as a massage oil, hair oil, or carrier oil in the pharmaceutical industry and in the production of aromatic oils.

Badam (Almond) Halwa - Indian Dessert

Nutrients in Almonds

Almonds are very nutritious and are high in:

• Vitamin E
• Monosaturated fats
• Fiber
• Biotin

Additionally, almonds contain minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Almonds are also an excellent source of phytonutrients (which include flavonoids, plant sterols, and phenolic acids). (T.H. Chan, Harvard)

A serving of about 23 almonds (or one ounce) provides 12% of the daily protein needed and 35% of daily Vitamin E requirements. Also, each ounce of almonds provides 8% of the daily recommended calcium intake. (Jennings, 2018)

There are about 160 calories in 23 almonds which can be burned by (for a body weight of 150 lbs):

• Running for 10 minutes at 8 mph.
• Playing table tennis for 36 minutes.
• Doing vigorous sit-ups for 18 minutes.
• Dancing for 32 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Ayurvedic Uses of Almonds

Burning Micturition

Scroll to Continue

How to Tell If a Japanese Sword Is Authentic

Pragmatism - Utulitarian Approach to the Human Life or Philosophical Doctrine

I Am Such a Sap For the Timeless Christmas Classics; What Treasures They Are

Soak five almonds in water at night. In the morning remove the skins, add seven cardamons and candy sugar to taste to them. Grind all this to a powder and stir in a glass of water. Take this two times daily for relief.

Abnormal Hypomenorrhea

Soak one almond and one dry date in the water at night. In the morning grind them and eat with butter and some candy sugar. Take this for three months for relief of abnormally light periods.

Cleaner Teeth and Dental Diseases

Burn some almond skins to form ash. Mix five parts of this ash with one part of alum. Grind this. Brush the teeth with this mixture for cleaner teeth and relief from dental diseases.

Cough

Infrequent coughs where there is difficulty in expelling mucus, take five almonds that have been previously soaked. Remove their skin. Add an equal quantity of candy sugar and grind. Lick this paste, twice a day for relief.

Facial Blemishes and Spots on the Skin

• Soak five almonds in water at night. In the morning remove their skins. grind and put in a bottle. Add 60 ml rose water and 15 drops of sandalwood oil. Mix well by shaking the bottle.
• Apply this three times a day on the face or body to clear any skin blemishes or spots. On deeper coloured spots or areas, apply a thicker layer, and leave it for a longer time.

Almond Milk Benefits

People with lactose intolerance can safely consume almond milk. Though it is a good substitute for cow's milk, most commercially made almond milk contains a very low percentage of almonds. Hence, it is better to make it at home.

There are several benefits of almond milk over dairy milk.

• It is lactose and gluten-free.
• It is extremely low in cholesterol as compared to cow's milk and higher in protein.
• A cup provides only 60 calories with no saturated or trans fats.
• One cup provides just 8 g of carbohydrates of which 7 g are from low glycemic sugar.
• It is very low in sodium, with just 5 mg per cup.
• Rich in calcium and vitamin D. One cup provides 30% of the daily requirement of calcium and 25% of the Vitamin D requirement. These make for healthy bones.
• One glass provides 50% of the daily Vitamin E needed. This renders good antioxidant protection and skin health.

Ingredients for Almond Milk

• 100 grams almonds
• 1 litre water, for the almond milk
• Water, for soaking the almonds as needed

Instructions

1. Soak the almonds in water overnight. The next morning wash them well and remove the skins.
2. Grind to a fine paste with a little water then add the remaining water and blend well.
3. Strain out the almond milk and store it in a bottle in the refrigerator.
4. Use within three days and sweeten if you wish to. Drink it or use it to prepare smoothies, milkshakes and more.

Sources

• Almonds. T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Harvard University.
• Cassady BA, Hollis JH, Fulford AD, Considine RV, Mattes RD. Mastication of almonds: effects of lipid bioaccessibility, appetite, and hormone response. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Mar;89(3):794-800. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2008.26669. Epub 2009 Jan 14. PMID: 19144727.
• Jennings, Kerri-Ann. 2018. Top 15 Calcium-Rich Foods (Many Are Non-Dairy). Healthline.
• Leech, Joe. 2023. 9 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Almonds. Healthline.
• McGrane, Kelli. 2019. Should You Soak Almonds Before Eating Them? Healthline.
• Sheikh, Zlipah. 2023. Health Benefits of Almonds. WebMD.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2012 Rajan Singh Jolly

Comments

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on April 19, 2020:

Rajah, my pleasure reading your articles. Thanks.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 18, 2020:

Thanks for stopping by to read the article, Miekabagh. Much appreciated.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on April 18, 2020:

Rajah, I like almonds. But I did not know better to soak them in water before eating. They tends to be expensive here in Nigeria as they are imported. Many thanks for sharing and the milk recipe.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on August 13, 2018:

rehmat the nutrition is in the almonds not in the water in which they have been soaked.

rehmat on August 12, 2018:

what about that water can we drink that water

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on September 06, 2017:

Alomonds to be always eaten after removing skin. Soak the almonds in water overnight & in the morning remove the skins and eat it.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on August 14, 2017:

Prashant remove skins before eating almonds.

Prashant on August 14, 2017:

How can eat almonds with skin or with out skin.......

Trishita on January 10, 2017:

Thanks for such a helpful article to make better our daily life nowadays.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on October 31, 2016:

azimkhan, you can soak them in milk but why not water? You can certainly have them with the skin.

azimkhan98 on October 26, 2016:

If without removal of Almonds skin soaking in milk and using in the morning breakfast, any problem will be?

keva from Mauritius on January 19, 2016:

I really appreciate, it's really useful specially for kids. Thanks

SAJID on August 29, 2015:

WHAT ABOUT THAT SOAKED WATER.. CAN WE DRINK THAT WATER?

Manish on October 04, 2014:

Its really useful to us bcoz it give complete discription about almond with their photos

Thanks

yo on September 25, 2014:

what is candy sugar???

Judy Filarecki from SW Arizona and Northern New York on September 19, 2014:

Thanks for all the info. I always wondered how they peel almonds. It looks so simple. The videos were great. I just wish I could figure out how do them without all the sugar.

Raja Reddy on August 11, 2014:

Thanks for your valuable information. I follow your advice.

manju on August 10, 2014:

I love almonds. After these advises i will use for my children

Walter on July 31, 2014:

Thank you for your quick reply.

I will follow your advice.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 30, 2014:

Yes, Walter they are high in oxalates and if you have a history of calcium oxalate stones then you'd better avoid almonds totally.

Walter on July 30, 2014:

Isn't almonds high in Oxalates?

I produce Calcium mono, and dihydrate, oxalate stones and have been told by my Urologist to avoid all Almonds.

dipti on June 13, 2014:

Thanks for such an informative article friend.This is really easy to read and helpful.

Eloise on February 07, 2014:

Hello, thank you for the fantastic information.

Do you know much about almonds and thyroid problems?

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on December 21, 2013:

bin, why do you need to put almonds in green tea when you can benefit more by eating them separately?

bin on December 20, 2013:

thanks for useful aticle..can i put almonds in green tea

Renu on November 28, 2013:

Great information. Very fond of almonds so the article helped a lot .

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 25, 2013:

Thanks for visiting, jayman.

jayman732819 on April 25, 2013:

Awesome article, i love almonds and you gave me some more ideas , thank you for sharing this

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on February 04, 2013:

Thanks, Patricia. It is always a pleasure to see you around. Glad you found it informative.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on February 04, 2013:

Thanks, Patricia. It is always a pleasure to see you around. Glad you found it informative.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on February 03, 2013:

Almonds have been a fav of mine for many years and I knew of some of the health benefits but had no idea they are as healthful as they have shared. I also did not know they could be used to help remove dark spots from the skin.

Reading this has filled in many of the gaps in my knowledge.

Thanks for sharing this with us. Voted up+++

Sending Angels your way this afternoon. :) ps

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on February 03, 2013:

That is good to hear Kalmiya. Wish you the best and thanks for stopping by.

Kalmiya from North America on February 01, 2013:

Thanks for your hub on the many uses of almonds! I think they're a great protein substitute and am learning to make home made almond butter and almond milk. We are planning on becoming more vegan and almonds are definitely part of that!

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on January 31, 2013:

Hi Shadaan,

Well glad to know you found the pictures interesting as well. Thanks for coming to read and comment.

Shadaan Alam from India on January 30, 2013:

excellent hub, really it made such an interesting read, and well to be honest i was more delighted by the images you have used in the hub i have never seen almond flowers before. wow!! and yeah all the nutritional benefits are too good, good writeup, voted up

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on January 29, 2013:

Riviera, thanks for sharing this bit of info and also for visiting the hub and commenting.Thanks.

Riviera Rose from South of France on January 28, 2013:

How fascinating - I learnt from friends in the Middle East about serving fresh almonds in a bowl of ice-cubes, so that the ice melts around them. I've always enjoyed eating them that way, but had no idea of the health benefits. A wonderful, informative hub, thank you!

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on January 20, 2013:

Absolutely Paula, I do believe you will benefit by using almond oil. I hope you found the hub worth referring back to. Almond oil massage is recommended for newborn and infants being very beneficial for the skin.

Thanks.

Suzie from Carson City on January 19, 2013:

Rajan.....I purposely scanned your collection of work, to find one written on "almonds." I purchased a bottle of pure almond oil, after reading from a reliable source that it is beneficial, for dry, winter skin.

Almonds are definitely one of my 3 favorite nuts, for eating (snacking), alone or within recipes.....the other 2 are walnuts and pecans.

I'm hoping I will see improvement of my dry skin issue, by using the almond oil nightly.......UP+++

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 20, 2012:

Michael, in India, we also have the brittle made with split peanuts, ground peanuts, roasted gram and the like. And all of them taste wonderful.

Thanks for sparing the time to read and vote.

Micheal from United Kingdom on May 20, 2012:

Great hub Rajan,

My favorite is the almond brittle.

I used to eat lots of almonds for health as I knew some of this information. For some reason I have stopped?

I will get some in future and try some of these recipes.

A very well written, detailed and well researched hub. Thanks for sharing.

Voted up and sharing 4/5 buttons.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 12, 2012:

CloudExplorer glad you liked the write up. Thanks for reading and supporting with your comments and votes.

Mike Pugh from New York City on May 12, 2012:

This was the most informative source of almonds I have ever seen before, wow Rajan, you are such an in depth writer indeed, and you never fail to get the info in your hubs to be displayed with such thorough details and accuracy.

I personally love eating raw organic almonds myself, thanks for such an intense resource here, I also like many of your heath tips here as well I just don't work well with the candy sugars, great job! Voted up and out.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 05, 2012:

Ruchira, thanks for reading and leaving your feedback. I appreciate the vote and share.

Ruchira from United States on May 05, 2012:

wow...i realize I am always amazed by your interesting hubs.

I had no clue that almond paste helps in blemishes.

I usually consume 5 almonds each morning (soaked in water o/n) A habit introduced by my parents and carrying it fwd...

almond milk is still the best and love it.

voted up and sharing it across.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 02, 2012:

Kelley, thanks a lot for all the kind words, the vote and the share. Your comments are truly appreciated. Take care, my friend.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 02, 2012:

Melovy, so glad to see you. Well you have been soaking and sprouting almonds and having them so I guess you know a lot about them. Happy to know that the entire family is fond of these healthy nuts.

I appreciate your stopping by and sharing your views.

Yvonne Spence from UK on May 02, 2012:

You’ve so much information here, some I knew and some that’s new to me! I love almonds and I loved them soaked and sprouted and haven’t done that for a while, so this hub was a great reminder. I now have some soaking for tomorrow. My children love them that way too.

Thanks for the hub.

kelleyward on May 02, 2012:

You have written a fantastic hub on the benefits of almonds! Voted up and SHARED. Take care, Kelley

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 02, 2012:

Vellur, thanks for your visit and comments.

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on May 01, 2012:

Awesome - delicious and healthy. Two in one - too good!!Am off to eat almonds. Great hub. Lots of useful information. Videos - deliciously mouth watering. Voted up.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 01, 2012:

@ dinkan - thanks for stopping by. Much appreciated.

@ tammy - Nice to see you. Glad to read that almonds are a part of your daily food. Thanks for reading and appreciating.

Tammy from North Carolina on May 01, 2012:

I eat almonds every day! I was glad to learn of all their health benefits. It is one of those things I don't feel guilty snacking on. Great hub!

dinkan53 from India on May 01, 2012:

Great informative hub here Rajan jolly. Thanks for all the great info and recipes. Enjoyed the videos. Voted up and interesting.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 01, 2012:

Emilybee, all nuts are healthy so you are on the right track. It is heartening to note that you liked the videos as well. Thanks for the comments.

emilybee on May 01, 2012:

Great information. I've been trying out various nuts for health benefits, walnuts, peanuts and now I'm off to grab some almonds :) Great videos for almond recipes, too.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 01, 2012:

sandra, I'm happy you decided to soak them as they will be easier on digestion and healthier. Glad to see you again. Thanks for everything.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 01, 2012:

MelChi, almonds are amazingly healthy nuts. I'm glad you found this informational and I appreciate your feedback.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on May 01, 2012:

Mary, thanks for coming back Mary and the sharing. I think I'm fine as long as I know that the hub satisfies me and my readers- most of them that is. Thanks for your views on this aspect too.

You too have a good day and appreciate your reread.

Sandra Busby from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA on May 01, 2012:

Wonderful hub. I am such a fan of almonds. I must remember to soak them, though. Thanks for SHARING.

Melanie Chisnall from Cape Town, South Africa on May 01, 2012:

This is an amazing hub, I love almonds - and didn't realise there were so many health benefits to eating them.

Mary Hyatt from Florida on May 01, 2012:

Good Morning, I came back to read this Hub again. If we still had bookmarks, this would have gone into a folder. I am sharing this with my Facebook friends and followers. If I could vote, I'd vote this Hub for Hub of the day. You commented on the length of your Hub. You cover a lot of informtion, and I think that is very important to do. Have a wonderful day.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

@ eye say - Thanks for your visit and sharing the hub. Much appreciated.

@ Ruchika - Yes, I have given a deep hard thought to this point many times. Frankly, when I search for any information many times I find that I would have wanted to know more from the writer of that article. It sort of left me wanting to know more. This is one reason I try to incorporate a lot of info in my hub. I ask myself what all I would be looking for generally in an article.

I agree it does become lengthy but when I check the view duration in the stats for the hub(and I do it all the time for my hubs), I see 5 stars which indicate that readers spend time reading the entire hub.

Of course I should be thankful to you for sharing your view and I appreciate your interest. Just a thought, a shorter hub will help me in publishing more hubs in the same time.

This is something I would like to think over. In the meantime, I would also be putting this question in the forums to have views of other hubbers as well.

You write really well but I see that you have written only a few hubs! Do write more and share your knowledge. Health topics and healthy foods is my main area of interest and I would be reading your other hubs as well.

I'm so glad you read the hub and left your observations. Thank you so much.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

@ Eric - Well, I do believe they should be soaked a night prior to use. I'll certainly be interested to know if this helps in your mouth sores. A feedback will be much appreciated.

Just one major differentiation between a nut & a drupe - A nut has its seed fused to the shell while a drupe has the endocarp which encloses a seed that can be taken out as it is not fused with the hard shell. In both cases, it is the ovary wall that has become hard and forms the shell.

I certainly appreciate the time you spared to read and comment and leave your feedback as well.

Thank you.

ruchika singh on April 30, 2012:

Interesting information. You've done a great job. However, it's always better to split such information in 2-3 hubs as viewers may not spend so much time reading a single hub. It's just a suggestion considering your hard work to compile such a voluminous and useful information.

eye say from Canada on April 30, 2012:

great hub it's gotta be shared!

Eric Calderwood from USA on April 30, 2012:

Lots of information here! I love almonds. I always thought they were a nut, but now I know better. I had heard that they could help with headaches, but you have provided a long list of other health benefits as well. I'll have to try soaking them. When I eat too many at one time I get sores in my mouth. Perhaps soaking them will take away whatever is causing the sores.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

Aurelio, glad you like almonds as well. Now that you are aware of the many health benefits you must be glad you love them.

Thanks for being appreciative of the write up and voting.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

Rahul maybe you could try using a different brand of almond oil and see its effect. Probably this is the only way to check if almond oil or the brand is causing hair fall! I would love to receive feedback in case you try it.

I appreciate your interest.

Thanks.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

Kelly, I love almonds in any form. Glad you too love them. You are a big supporter of my health hubs. Your comments are always appreciated.

Thanks for all the votes. Your visit is always looked forward to.

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on April 30, 2012:

One of my favorite nuts and I don't mind eating them raw or roasted. I didn't realize it had all these beneficial properties. I just like the taste. Voting this Up and Useful.

Jessee R from Gurgaon, India on April 30, 2012:

I tried the Bajaj Almond oil... one which comes in the ads..??

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

Rahul, I've never heard of almond oil application leading to hairfall. In fact, it is used to arrest hair loss and promote growth. I found no reference to this anywhere.

I can just make a guess - maybe you experienced some allergy to the brand of almond oil you used! did you try some other brand of almond oil?

I appreciate your feedback and thanks for your visit and votes.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

Mary - I'm happy you liked the hub. Almonds have been used in Indian homes as a useful home remedy as well, in many health conditions. I appreciate your stopping by.

It's always a pleasure to see you here and your comments and votes are much appreciated.

Rajan Singh Jolly (author) from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on April 30, 2012:

@ Jen - I'm sure soaking almonds prior to consuming them will be easier to digest. This is the way almonds have been used in Ayurvedic treatment. Blanching does the same in a little measure. I would certainly like your feedback on this.