The many benefits of eating raw nuts and seeds!

The many benefits of eating raw nuts and seeds!

Part 1 of 2.

Raw nuts and seeds can provide you with a wealth of nutrients. They are loaded with protein, an abundance  of healthy Omega 3 fats and they are rich in minerals.  Another benefit of raw nuts and seeds are the enzymes they packed with.

1. Loaded with Enzymes.

Enzymes are proteins that cause chemical reactions throughout the body. They break down food, clot blood and are necessary for all bodily functions. Diets rich in enzymes cause the body to work more efficiently, which is why individuals who consume raw diets experience tremendous health benefits. All raw foods, including raw nuts and seeds, contain an abundance of enzymes, and these enzymes break down food and distribute their nutrients throughout the body.

2. Enzyme-Rich Nuts and Seeds

Pumpkin seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, pecans, walnuts and a host of other nuts and seeds are full of enzymes while in their raw, natural forms. However, once you toast, roast, fry or boil them, their enzymes are completely destroyed. Pasteurizing nuts and seeds to extend their shelf life also destroys the enzymes they contain, and all of these processes dramatically reduce the nutritional value of nuts and seeds as well.

3. Digestive Enzymes in Nuts and Seeds

The body must work harder to digest foods without enzymes. Some of the digestive enzymes the body needs include gelatinase, pepsin, gastric lipase and gastric amylase. These enzymes help the gastrointestinal system work effectively by breaking large molecules down into simple molecules, allowing nutrients to be readily utilized by the cells. Because these enzymes are not present in cooked foods, the body uses excess energy during digestion, which can make individuals feel lethargic after eating.

4. Enzyme Inhibitors in Plant Foods

Raw nuts and seeds are plant foods that contain protease inhibitors, which can block enzyme function. Most plant foods develop these inhibitors to form a protective barrier against insects. Nuts and seeds will not break down into their simplest forms during digestion when protein inhibitors are present. Inhibitors also prevent enzymes from digesting proteins, which can cause a burden on the pancreas. To get the maximum amount of nutrition from the raw nuts and seeds that you consume, you must eliminate these inhibitors prior to eating them.

5. Soaking Raw Nuts and Seeds

The best way to destroy enzyme inhibitors is to soak raw nuts and seeds before consumption. Raw nuts and seeds are live foods that are likely to sprout or grow if you plant them. By soaking nuts and seeds, you awaken their life force, which will cause these inhibitors to break down. Each raw nut and seed requires a different amount of soaking time to eliminate inhibitors. Raw almonds and walnuts must soak for eight hours; pistachios and pine nuts must soak for two.