What is the best time to eat soaked almonds and walnuts?

November 4, 2025 •

2 min read

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, has long advocated for soaking nuts to enhance digestion and reduce phytic acid. When it comes to reaping the most benefits from these nutritional powerhouses, knowing what is the best time to eat soaked almonds and walnuts can make a significant difference to your overall well-being.

Quick Summary

The optimal time to consume soaked almonds and walnuts is in the morning on an empty stomach to boost energy, aid digestion, and improve nutrient uptake. The timing can help maximize the specific health advantages of these powerful nuts throughout your day.

Key Points

Morning on an Empty Stomach: Eating soaked nuts first thing in the morning optimizes nutrient absorption and provides a sustained energy boost for the day ahead.
Soaking Enhances Digestion: Soaking almonds and walnuts neutralizes enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, making them much easier for your body to digest.
Walnuts Benefit Evening Intake: While almonds are great in the morning, the melatonin in walnuts can make a handful in the evening beneficial for sleep regulation.
Almonds vs. Walnuts: Soaked almonds excel in providing balanced nutrition and aiding weight control, while soaked walnuts are superior for boosting brain and heart health due to their high omega-3 content.
Proper Preparation is Key: Soaking for the right duration (8-12 hours for almonds, 6-8 for walnuts) and peeling almonds afterward is crucial for maximum benefit.
Listen to Your Body: The ideal time can vary based on individual health goals and lifestyle, so pay attention to how your body responds to different timings.

Soaked almonds and walnuts are nutrient-dense superfoods, packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Soaking them overnight helps unlock their full nutritional potential by neutralizing enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, compounds that can hinder the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.

Why Soaking Your Nuts Matters

Raw nuts contain natural protective barriers that can make them harder to digest and limit nutrient absorption. Soaking improves nutrient absorption by breaking down phytic acid, enhances digestibility by softening the nuts, activates beneficial enzymes, and results in a milder, creamier texture and flavor.

The Optimal Times to Eat Soaked Nuts

While soaked almonds and walnuts are beneficial at any time, consuming them strategically can help achieve specific health goals. What is the best time to eat soaked almonds and walnuts depends on your desired outcome.

Morning on an Empty Stomach

This is widely considered ideal, especially for almonds. Eating them first thing in the morning offers several benefits, including a sustained energy boost, improved brain function from omega-3s and Vitamin E, a gentle metabolic boost, and better nutrient absorption due to an empty stomach.

As a Midday Snack

A handful of soaked nuts can combat energy dips and unhealthy cravings between meals. Their fiber and protein content promote satiety, supporting weight management.

In the Evening or Before Bed

Walnuts, in particular, may be beneficial in the evening due to their melatonin content, which can help regulate sleep.

Soaked Almonds vs. Soaked Walnuts: A Nutritional Comparison

Both are healthy but offer different benefits:


Feature	Soaked Almonds	Soaked Walnuts
Key Nutrients	Vitamin E, Magnesium, Protein, Calcium	Omega-3 Fatty Acids (ALA), Antioxidants, Copper, Manganese
Primary Benefits	Overall balance, skin health, weight control, bone health, sustained energy	Heart health, brain function, anti-inflammatory effects
Digestibility	Lighter on the stomach after soaking, peeling helps	Soaking aids digestion, slightly heavier than almonds
Optimal Time	Primarily morning	Morning (brain), evening (sleep)
Soaking Time	8–12 hours	6–8 hours

How to Properly Prepare Soaked Almonds and Walnuts

For optimal results:

Use raw, unsalted nuts.
Rinse thoroughly.
Submerge in filtered water.
Soak almonds for 8-12 hours, walnuts for 6-8 hours.
Rinse and drain.
Peel almonds to remove tannins that inhibit nutrient absorption.

A comprehensive guide on the soaking process, including drying methods, is available from Wildly Organic.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body

The best time to eat soaked almonds and walnuts ultimately depends on individual lifestyle and health needs. A morning intake on an empty stomach is generally recommended for maximizing digestion and nutrient uptake. However, timing can be adjusted for specific goals like better sleep or curbing cravings. Soaking is a simple yet effective way to enhance the health benefits of these nuts. Experiment to find the routine that works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Soaking almonds and walnuts together is a great way to combine their unique nutritional benefits, such as the omega-3s from walnuts and Vitamin E from almonds, for an enhanced health boost.

Yes, it is generally considered safe and healthy to eat a small portion of soaked nuts in the evening. Some people find that walnuts, in particular, can aid in promoting better sleep.

While it's not mandatory, peeling the skin off soaked almonds is recommended. The brown skin contains tannins that can inhibit nutrient absorption, so removing it helps your body absorb the nutrients more effectively.

Eating raw nuts is still healthy, but the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors on their surface can make them harder to digest for some people and can limit your body's absorption of some minerals.

A recommended daily serving is a small handful, which typically equates to about 5-8 soaked almonds and 2-4 soaked walnuts. This provides a good nutritional boost without excessive calorie intake.

For almonds, soak them for at least 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. Walnuts require a slightly shorter soak time of 6 to 8 hours to become tender and release their enzyme inhibitors.

Yes, including soaked nuts in your diet can support weight management. Their high fiber and protein content help promote feelings of fullness, which can reduce cravings and prevent overeating.