Did you know that if you eat almonds the wrong way, you could be missing out on all the benefits - and perhaps creating vitamin and mineral deficiencies?

Eating almonds the wrong way could actually harm your digestion. Eating them the right way allows your body to reap the benefits of this concentrated power food.

One of the most nutritious of all nuts, almonds are a delicious source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Almonds are also the least acid-forming of all nuts, which is why they are the only nut recommended in the beginning stages of the Body Ecology Diet. Since correcting digestion is key to your health, it's also important to know how to prepare, combine and eat foods so that you can create energy and vitality. It's no different with almonds.

Almonds are usually difficult for most people to digest because of an enzyme-inhibiting substance in their brown coating. Soaking or sprouting removes this inhibitor so that the enzymes secreted during digestion can do their job.

How to Soak Almonds

We recommend starting with raw, organic almonds. To soak them, simply cover them with purified water in a glass or stainless steel container overnight for 12 hours. You can then drain and refrigerate them. This easy step can fit into even the busiest of schedules so that you can get all the healthy benefits of almonds.

Almonds and seeds are extremely concentrated foods -- they contain enough energy to grow an entire new plant , after all! Almonds are a protein/fat food. They combine best with fermented foods, non-starchy land vegetables (especially dark green leafy ones) and ocean vegetables. They also combine with other protein/fat foods like milk kefir and avocado. They're great to toss into a green, leafy salad.

The Body Ecology Diet book is full of important health-enhancing details on soaking, sprouting and food combining with almonds and other foods. It also has a recipe for a delicious Almond Mayonnaise. Almonds allow you to create quick, easy and delightful snacks! Keep in mind that until your digestion is corrected, you may miss out on the benefits of most foods, including almonds. The Body Ecology Diet book sheds light on how to correct digestion and improve energy and vitality.

As you explore the delicious variety of foods on the Body Ecology diet, be sure to include nutritious and protein-rich almonds, but be sure you soak or sprout them first to obtain all the enhanced benefits of this power food.