The knocking of winter starts making the body crave warmth and comfort. However, with the bone-breaking cold days, comes the need for boosting our immunity and health. But we have some good news for you! Soaked walnuts can prove to be the easiest addition to your diet with nutrients and thus can be helpful for the overall well-being of the body. Here is why you must add this dry fruit as your winter essential.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Shweta Jaiswal, Senior Dietician, Shardacare, Health City - Greater Noida explained that raw walnuts are already a powerhouse of nutrition, but soaking them amplifies their benefits. The soaking process helps in the following ways:
1. Enhance Nutrient Absorption
Walnuts contain phytic acid, which can help in the process to inhibit the absorption of essential minerals. Soaking reduces this compound which makes nutrients like zinc, iron, and magnesium more bioavailable.
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2. Improve Digestibility
Soaked walnuts are gentler on the stomach and easier to digest, reducing the risk of bloating or discomfort therefore, helping in keeping the body warm on cold winter months.
3. Unlock Antioxidants
Soaking walnuts also activates enzymes and increases the antioxidant levels, giving the body an extra edge against winter illnesses.
Winter-Specific Benefits of Soaked Walnuts
Dr Jaiswal also listed the many benefits of consuming soaked walnuts in winter. These may include:
1. Builds Immunity
Winter equals to many people dealing with coughs and colds, flu. This calls for getting an urgent need for some booster. Walnuts contain antioxidants, vitamin E, and polyphenols, which boost immunity, making seasonal attacks on the immune system quite easy to fight.
2. Facilitates Better Skin
Cold weather dries up the skin, making it flaky and lifeless. Walnuts being rich in omega-3 and vitamin E provide essential nutrients to ensure that hydration and elasticity are maintained so that skin develops that winter glow.
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3. Enhances Cognitive Functions
Walnuts are often known to be the 'brain food.' The fact that they are full of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6 helps them support cognitive functions and boosting memory at the same time, both of which are positive attributes during winter months when psychological acuity tends to suffer a bit.
4. Better Heart Health
Cold weather is said to weaken your cardiovascular system. The soaked walnuts have healthy fats in them, which reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the body, improves blood flow, and prevents heart problems.
5. Boosts Energy and Defeats Fatigue
Winter is short of days but long nights exhaust your energy. A combination of protein, good fats, and complex carbohydrates in walnuts can gradually boost energy and keep you energetic and awake.
6. Helps in Weight Management
Consumption of more winter comfort food increases your weight. Walnuts contain a lot of protein and fibre content, which will also help with satiety and prevent you from unnecessary snacking.
Bottomline
Soaked walnuts are a versatile and nutritious addition to your winter diet. They can help you thrive during the colder months by enhancing immunity, boosting energy, and supporting overall health. So why not soak a handful tonight and enjoy the myriad benefits tomorrow?