Are Nuts Hard to Digest?

If you have set a goal to eat healthier, you’ll probably be adding some new food choices to your diet. Anytime you change your dietary habits, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the possible effects those foods can have on your digestive system.

Health Benefits of Nuts

One of the first snack foods you’ll likely add to your healthy diet is nuts. Nuts are a plant-based source of protein. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Including them in your diet provides health benefits including heart health, reducing inflammation, assisting with weight loss, and many other benefits. Nuts can be hard to digest. However, there are ways to make them easier to digest. It is well worth taking steps to make them more digestible.

Why Nuts Can be Hard to Digest

Nuts contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors which humans can’t digest. Soaking nuts such as cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts can make them digestible. Soaking is a simple process. Start with 4 cups of raw nuts. Place them in a bowl with enough water to cover the nuts. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt. Place the bowl on a counter, not in the refrigerator, and soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Activated Nuts

Activated nuts have undergone the soaking process plus the addition of one more step. After soaking, strain the nuts then place them on a baking tray and dry them in the oven on low heat for about 12 hours or until the nuts are totally dry. You can dry the nuts in a dehydrator instead of an oven if you prefer.

Acclimating Your System to Nuts

If you aren’t used to eating healthy cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, or other nuts as a snack alternative to unhealthy snacks such as candy, and cookies you may experience stomach discomfort when you eat nuts. You don’t want to pass up all the health benefits nuts provide so there are a few suggestions to help you adjust.

Nuts are a good source of fiber. An increase in fiber can cause gas which leads to stomach discomfort. To avoid discomfort, add nuts to your diet gradually. Another way to avoid discomfort from eating nuts is to begin by eating small portions and gradually increase your portion size.