Foods You Must Soak Before Eating, Cooking, Frying Them!

Add as a preferred source on Google

Before boiling some rice to enjoy it with a piping bowl of dal, we always soak it. But why do we do it? That's because soaking food before eating is a great way to make food safer, healthier, and more delicious. It can also help can kill bacteria and parasites, reduce toxins, and even increase the nutrient content of some foods [1].

Another food that is always soaked is chickpeas, that too a whole night. What about other foods? What are the other foods you must soak before eating? Let's take a look.

Foods You Must Soak Before Eating

Here is a list of foods you must soak before you cook, eat, fry etc... Take a look.

1. Legumes

Lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas and soybeans are some of the most common legumes that should be soaked before eating. Soaking legumes helps to reduce the amount of phytic acid and other compounds that can cause digestive issues. Soaking also helps to reduce cooking time, making the legumes easier to digest.

2. Nuts

Many nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and cashews contain enzyme inhibitors. Soaking nuts helps to reduce the amount of enzyme inhibitors in the nuts, making them easier to digest. Soaking also helps to soften the nuts, making them easier to eat.

3. Grains

Grains, such as wheat, oats, and barley, should be soaked before eating. Soaking helps to reduce the amount of phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors, making the grains easier to digest. Soaking also helps to reduce the cooking time and makes grains softer and easier to chew.

4. Seeds

Seeds, such as flax and chia, should be soaked before eating. Soaking helps to reduce the amount of enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid in the seeds, making them easier to digest. Soaking also helps to soften the seeds, making them easier to chew.

5. Rice

Rice should be soaked before cooking, as it helps to reduce the amount of arsenic and other toxins that may be present in the rice. Soaking also helps to reduce cooking time, making the rice easier to digest [2].

6. Dried fruit

Dried fruits, such as raisins and dates, should be soaked before eating. Soaking helps to reduce the amount of tannins, which can cause digestive issues. Soaking also helps to soften the fruit, making it easier to eat.

7. Mangoes

In mangoes, you may have seen a white fluid, which contains an anti-nutrient known as phytic acid, which can be removed by soaking before eating. Hence, soaking before eating improves mango digestion, reduces heat generation and enhances nutrient content [3].

On A Final Note...

Soaking can also help to break down complex proteins and starches in some foods, making them easier to digest and more enjoyable to eat. All in all, soaking food before eating helps to increase the safety, nutrition, and flavour of many common foods.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.