Your whole food, plant-based life.

Raw Food: Know Your Nuts

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Whether you are new to raw food preparation, or have been eating this way for a while, you have probably noticed that nuts are used in many raw food recipes to replace traditional ingredients such as cheese and other dairy products. Dairy contains unhealthy animal fat and other substances you may want to avoid. Nuts provide protein, “healthy” fat, fiber,  vitamins and minerals. We used to think that nuts just made us fat. Now we know that they can help fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Remember, Soaking nuts is an important part of making them digestible and eliminating enzyme inhibitors so that your body can get the most nutrition from them.

Before we start discussing all of the incredible benefits of nuts, one thing should be cleared up. It involves the pasteurization of nuts. Because of legislation in the U.S., most of the nuts we buy are not truly raw. If they have been shelled, they have most likely seen steam, and many nuts are dried with heat in order to reduce moisture. They are not sprout-able. You can find truly raw nuts, you just have to look. On-line is a good place to start. That being said, nuts are still powerful foods that become a great compliment to your raw diet.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the most used nuts and what they provide:

Walnuts: Now considered a “super food”, walnuts are one of the nutritious nuts. They are high in alpha-linolenic acid and omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help reduce the potential for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and clinical depression. Studies have shown that eating walnuts can reduce LDL (bad) chlosterol, and also help with diabetes. Good in salads, pates and flat breads.

Almonds: High in protein, zinc and calcium, almonds are also a great source of vitamin E magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Another nut that can help reduce bad cholesterol. Many uses including pates, milks, and crusts.

Brazil Nuts: Extremely high in selenium which is a powerful antioxidant. It also improves mood and mental performance. They are also high in minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium. Makes a very rich nut milk and are great in spreads.

Cashews:Like the other nuts, cashews are a good source of protein and fiber. They are also a good source of potassium, B vitamin, foliate, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium and copper. Extremely versatile in raw food recipes. Spreads, “cheeses”, cheese cakes, ice creams, dips, etc.

Pecans: Zinc, vitamin E, vitamin A are only a part of what these tasty nuts provide. They also have been proven increase the results of a diet designed to lower cholesterol. Makes an interesting milk, great in salads and also a good addition to raw desserts.

Hazel Nuts: Once again, a great resource for lowering cholesterol. In addition to protein, fiber and iron, hazel nuts also bring vitamin C, and the B vitamins to the table. Great in raw desserts and breads.

Pine Nuts: Good for your cardiovascular system, and filled with calcium, vitamins D, C and A. Pine nuts can be good for your eyes and immune system. Great as a substitute for Parmesan cheese and adding a salty zip to many dishes.

Macadamia Nuts: One of the few nuts that have palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. It is said to help reduce stored body fat by increasing metabolism. They are also rich in omega 3’s and  vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and iron. Wonderful in desserts, spreads, salads, pates.

We once used to think of nuts as just fat laden treats that we should stay away from. Now, they are becoming an important element for health. They are nutrient dense and also satisfying. Remember, a little goes a long way!

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30 Comments

  1. Theresa wrote on October 6, 2013

    Hi Susan, Lesley, above, has made a comment close to what I want to ask you about for a while. I was dismayed when I turned to raw food to discover that nuts were not raw. I used to eat a lot of almonds and have since been making sure I buy organic almonds which are raw. My experience is similar to Lesley’s and I’m surprised to find it very hard to get information about it. Every handful of almonds would produce a couple of almonds which I would have to spit out owing to the really concentrated almond or mazipan taste. It’s got to the stage where I no longer eat almonds. A couple of times I’ve made almond butter but have had to throw it out because the taste was so strong as to be inedible. I am not a faddy eater. I have no hesitation in eating less that perfect food, so something has to be pretty awful for me to throw it out. I did soak and dehydrate some almonds and the taste wasn’t as apparent. My organic almonds come from a whole food distributor who supplies the whole country and from whom I have been buying my food for years. I would be grateful for any advice or information you have on this issue. Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Char wrote on March 19, 2013

    I live in a 3rd world country and cannot get raw nuts that often. If they are not raw do I still need to soak them? When I travel to the U.S. I buy raw but often times I run out a few months before heading back again.

    Reply
  3. LARRY wrote on October 21, 2012

    Maybe it’s time to use more raw hemp seed. It’s made from commercial hemp that doesn’t have any chemicals that make you high and has a complete amino acid profile. It tastes very close to pine nuts

    Stupid California is completely broke then undermines the organic raw almond industry and loses even more businesses!

    Reply
    • Susan wrote on October 21, 2012

      It isn’t California. It is a federal law. You can actually buy truly raw almonds in California. It is legal if bought from the growers.

      Reply
  4. Danielea wrote on June 1, 2012

    Hi: I am enjoying your site. I’d like to know if you know a substitute for pine nuts re: flavour. I don’t digest them well, however I have yet to try soaking them.
    Thankyou

    Reply
  5. lesley wrote on January 15, 2012

    Hi
    I bought some raw almonds (and cashews and brazils). I soaked a handful of them all for 24hrs. The brazils tasted fresh and very different to brazils I’ve tasted before. I ground the cashews with some springwater, lemon, honey and sea salt – delicious!!!! The almonds – well here is my concern, some were delicious but some tasted very much of marzipan – I spat these out as a caution …. Whilst I like marzipan I was concered wether these were safe to eat, as I have read on the internet that ‘bitter almonds where mazipan flavouring comes from’ can cross polinate sweet almond trees, and that the bitter almon contains cyanide!!!! I didn’t want to take a risk with my life in my quest for health….
    Can anyone advise on this matter please. Also how long would it take for almonds, brazils and cashews to ‘sprout’ as I’m keen to try this to get as much nourishment from my nuts as possible (they cost a small fortune!!).

    Reply
    • Susan wrote on January 16, 2012

      I would make sure you find a trusted source for your almonds and ask the producers if you are concerned. If you are going to sprout the nuts you need to make sure you get truly raw nuts. Soak them for 12-24 hours then rinse.

      Reply
    • Susan wrote on January 5, 2012

      Some cashews are roasted, some are steamed and yes, you can buy raw cashews. Navatis Naturals is one place to check. Do a quick search on steamed cashews and you will find that it a process that is used frequently.

      Reply

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