It’s the popular food trend that has many people going nuts. Activated nuts are nuts that have been soaked in a salt water solution for 12-24 hours to stimulate the germination process which causes the nut to change – breakdowns some stored proteins, starches (carbohydrates) and oils. Other plant chemicals like phytates also begin to change. Phytates generally get a bad rap. Nuts naturally contain phytates, which bind together minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphate making them less available for absorption. Supporters of activated nuts believe soaking breaks down the phytates and improves bioavailability of minerals, making it easier for our bodies to absorb the minerals nuts contain. However, a recent New Zealand study has found no evidence that activating nuts reduces phytates and in fact, the soaking process actually leaches important nutrients out … Continue reading Are Activated Nuts Really Better For You?