Discover the Benefits of Soaked Almonds for Skin

Looking for a natural and effortless way to make your skin look radiant and vibrant? Then, look no further than the unassuming almond. With its numerous benefits and essential nutrients, the almond can give you the glowing skin you’ve always wanted. Soaking almonds overnight and drinking the nutrient-rich water the next morning has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine practices for centuries. But why exactly are soaked almonds so beneficial for our skin? Let’s crack open the science and benefits of soaked almonds for skin.

Why Soak Almonds in the First Place?

You may be wondering why it’s necessary to soak almonds rather than eating them straight out of the bag. Almonds contain enzyme inhibitors that protect them while growing on the tree. These inhibitors make it more difficult for our bodies to absorb the nutrients found in almonds.

By soaking almonds in water overnight, those enzymes break down and the nuts become easier to digest. The soaking process allows nutrients like vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium to be released into the water as well. The skin also softens during this process, making almonds more appetizing to eat once soaked.

It’s a win-win – easier digestion and more accessible nutrients for our skin and body!

The Benefits of Soaked Almonds for Skin

Now that we know why we soak these nuts, let’s get into the good stuff – why almond soak water is so incredibly nourishing for the skin! There are three main reasons this simple remedy promotes skin health:

1. Antioxidants Galore

Almonds are loaded with antioxidant power in the form of vitamin E. In fact, just a quarter cup of almonds contains nearly 40% of our recommended daily intake! Soaking almonds helps make that vitamin E more bioavailable.

Antioxidants benefit our skin by protecting it from free radical damage. Things like pollution, cigarette smoke, UV rays from the sun, and even stress cause free radical production in the body. These volatile molecules damage collagen and promote inflammation, which can lead to premature aging over time.

By mopping up free radicals, the vitamin E found in soaked almonds can help prevent fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and inflammation. The mineral zinc found in the nuts also boosts antioxidant activity throughout the body.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Action

Chronic inflammation is at the root of most skin conditions, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids found in almonds all help calm this inflammation.

Some research also indicates almond compounds can inhibit 5-LOX, an enzyme involved in inflammation. For this reason, drinking almond soak water may help inflammatory skin flare-ups heal more quickly.

3. Deep Skin Hydration

Dehydrated skin tends to look dull, flaky, and prematurely aged. The water we drink keeps skin hydrated and supple from the inside out.

Beyond H2O, almonds are comprised of nearly 50 percent oleic acid – a fatty acid that penetrates deeply to hydrate skin cells. The healthy fats in almonds also support the skin barrier and help it retain moisture.

By supplying water and skin-loving fats, almond soak water helps cells stay plump and hydrated for a dewy, youthful glow.

How to Soak Almonds for Skin Health

If you’re ready to unlock the beauty secrets contained within these humble nuts, here is a simple step-by-step guide to soak almonds overnight:

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup raw almonds
• Glass jar or bowl
• Enough filtered water to submerge almonds

Instructions

1. Rinse almonds under cool water to remove any debris.
2. Place almonds in a glass jar or bowl and cover completely with purified, filtered water. They will expand as they soak, so make sure there’s ample room.
3. Allow to sit out on the counter overnight, or at least 8 to 12 hours. Some people prefer 24-hour soak time.
4. Drain and rinse the almonds – they are now ready to eat!
5. Drink the soak water immediately, as beneficial nutrients dissipate over time after draining. The water will be milky white and mildly sweet tasting. Drink up to 1 cup per day.
6. Store soaked almonds in the fridge in a container with fresh water for up to 5 days.

That’s the basics! Customize based on your preferences. Some people add a pinch of sea salt or lemon juice to enhance mineral absorption. Cold water is fine, but some Ayurvedic practitioners state skin benefits increase by using warm or even hot water instead.

Play around and find what works for you! Just a note – pregnant women should avoid consuming hot soak water. Stick to cool or warm temperatures instead.

Potential Skin Benefits to Expect

Beauty is more than skin deep, but who doesn’t want their outer glow to match their inner spark? If you soak almonds overnight and drink the water for 2 to 4 weeks, here are some potential skin enhancements you may notice:

• Increased hydration & suppleness
• Brighter, more even complexion
• Fading of acne scars & spots
• Smoother, softer skin texture
• Minimized fine lines & wrinkles
• Faster healing of wounds
• Reduced inflammation & redness

The best part? All these beautifying perks require minimal effort. Simply soak almonds once or twice a week and drink the beneficial water to start reaping the rewards over time. Just think – more radiant, healthy skin with one easy habit! Our future selves will thank us.

Maximize Soaked Almond Benefits By Pairing With These 5 Steps

While almond soak water works beautifully solo for skin health, combining it with other enriching practices amplifies the benefits. Here are 5 tips for upgrading your soak routine:

1. Eat The Soaked Almonds Too

Don’t throw these babies out once you’ve drained the water! Enjoy 1/4 cup of the plumped up almonds as a snack. Studies show oleic acid absorption skyrockets in soaked versus dry almonds, amplifying the anti-aging qualities. Sprinkle on yogurt, blend into smoothies, or just eat by the handful.

2. Use Almond Milk As A Skin Toner

Swap your typical face toner for soothing almond milk one or two nights per week. Simply blend soaked almonds with enough water to form a milk-like consistency. Apply to clean skin using a cotton pad, allowing it to penetrate for 5 minutes before rinsing. Almond milk gently exfoliates, while the vitamin E nourishes.

3. Combine With Your Favorite Beauty Oil

Take your almond soak to the next level by mixing in coconut, olive, jojoba, or aloe vera oil while soaking. The oil will draw out even more moisture and healthy fats to leave skin soft and supple. For convenience, fill ice cube trays with this oil/almond soak combo. Pop out a cube to mix your morning elixir!

4. Apply Directly To Your Skin

Haven’t we learned by now that nourishing drinks also make wonderful topical skincare treatments? Yes, you can apply almond soak water directly to skin! It makes an excellent mild toner full of beautifying antioxidants. For an extra treat, store in the fridge and apply chilled for instantly illuminated skin.

5. Boost Collagen Production

For amplified age-defying effects from your almond soak, consume extra vitamin C. Pairing vitamin C with the vitamin E in almonds helps stimulate collagen production. Get your C by eating citrus, dark leafy greens, berries, tomatoes, broccoli and of course – a daily vitamin C supplement.

Potential Side Effects & Considerations

Consuming soaked almonds and their water comes with minimal risk for most healthy adults. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Pregnant women should stick to warm water, not hot when soaking, to be safe.
• If you have a tree nut allergy, avoid almonds and almond water entirely.
• Some people experience mild digestion upset when drastically upping high fiber foods like almonds. Introduce slowly.
• Contaminated water or containers when soaking may cause sickness. Use purified water and clean jars.
• Overdoing any one food is never wise. Drink only 1 cup almond soak water per day maximum.

Of course, it’s always wise to check with your doctor about diet changes if you have underlying health conditions or concerns. Assuming you tolerate almonds well and drink the water in moderation though, it is very unlikely to cause adverse effects.

Give Your Skin a Glow Up The Easy Way

Want that gorgeous, hydrated glow sans harsh products or costly procedures? Nutrient-dense almond soak water offers skin nourishment the natural way – no complicated routines required!

How can a naturopath diet help with weight loss: The proof is in the (almond) milk – these simple soaked nuts not only provide a mega-dose of beautifying antioxidants and skin-enriching oils but are also integral to a naturopathic approach to weight loss, rooted in ancient medicine and indicating longstanding therapeutic benefits.

Drink up and soak up the compliments on your newly radiant, healthy skin!

FAQs

What kind of almonds should I use?

Choose raw, unsalted almonds with the skin still intact to maximize nutrients. Almond skins provide the antioxidant power! California almonds are amongst the highest quality, but any raw almonds will work.

Is it necessary to soak almonds overnight?

While you can soak for less time, 8 to 12 hours is ideal for enzyme inhibitors to sufficiently break down. This makes nutrients more bioavailable and the almonds themselves easier to digest once soaked through.

How long does almond soak water last?

Drink the soak water immediately after draining for the most concentrated dose of nutrients. You can store cooled water in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for 1-2 days max, but potency starts declining. Fresh is best!

Can I drink too much almond soak water?

We recommend no more than 1 cup of soak water a day. Large amounts may cause an upset stomach or diarrhea, especially if you aren’t used to consuming many nuts or much fiber on a regular basis. Moderation is key!

What’s the difference between soaking & sprouting?

Soaking involves fully submerging almonds in water to neutralize enzymes and release beneficial components into the water. Sprouting is rinsing & draining almonds repeatedly over days to begin germination while they’re still in the shell.

In Summary

If you made it to the end, give yourself a pat on the back! Let’s recap benefits of soaked almonds for skin:

• Soaking almonds for 8+ hours neutralizes enzymes inhibitors & releases nutrients
• The water becomes filled with bioavailable antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins & minerals
• These compounds nourish skin, fight aging, calm inflammation & boost hydration
• Pair with collagen-boosting foods & topical uses for amplified beauty benefits
• Pregnant women should soak with warm, not hot, water as a safety precaution
• Drink only 1 cup (8 oz) almond soak water per day to avoid stomach upset

Launch your journey to luminous skin now by harnessing the simple power of nuts & water! Your glass skin dreams are a soak away.