Oh no, you are going to think, she is going to propose to add yet another gimmick to my already full and crazy life. Granted, soaking or sprouting adds a layer to food preparation, requires a bit of organization and thinking ahead. But deep living is about going deeper, getting away from coasting and skimming the surface.
Shifting towards a more plant based diet is ultimately healthier (for us as well as the environment), and it's good to become aware of deeper nutritional connections. Moreover, we live in times when we are bombarded with environmental pollutants and it's so important to consume the very best foods and beverages we can in order to boost our immune system and cleanse out toxins that have accumulated in our bodies over the years.
Soaking nuts, seeds and grains increases their digestibility and permits the body to absorb their nutrients more easily. The process takes a load off your body so to speak. Nuts, seeds and grains all contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors - also called antinutrients - that prevent them from sprouting prematurely. While not exactly harmful - don't be alarmed if you never soaked your nuts before now - they are not exactly great either. As said before, these antinutients cause a lesser availability of nutrients and possibly digestive troubles.
Whether preparing nuts for snacks, making nut milk, requiring legumes for soup or chili or refried beans, even baking with whole grain flour, simply soak them all in fresh water - see chart for length of time - and be sure to throw away the soaking water and rinsing well.
You can go a step further and sprout seeds, which takes another day or two. Now you're talking, because sprouts are some of the most nutrient rich foods we have, chockfull of antioxidants. I recently started to make broccoli sprouts, from tiny broccoli seeds bought in a big 1lb bag. What a superfood. You can now find tofu made from sprouted soy beans, tortillas and bread made from sprouted grains, and you can sprout wheat berries to make the fermented drink called rejuvelac, which tastes almost like a light lemonade.
This is one more way to support our bodies in staying healthy.
