I’m making a concerted effort at the moment to eat a whole arse-load of Omega-3s. Apparently anxiety begins in the gut, and sanity begins with a whole lot of Omega-3s, so I’m stocking up on salmon, leafy greens and walnuts.
Walnuts.
I love walnuts. Especially when they’re surrounded by a double fudge brownie. But I’ve been good and just been trying to scarf bucketloads of the tiny brains regularly.
The only problem is, when I do eat them, my belly gets rather uncomfortable. I get bloated and uncomfortable, and then things get really ugly.
Why do nuts make you fart?
So I did some research, and apparently nuts contain compounds, such as phytates and tannins that can impair digestion. Phytates and tannins both work by binding up minerals so they are unable to ignite the enzymatic reactions that tell a seed or nut to sprout until it is safe to do so.
The idea is for the plant that grew the nut or seed to ensure its survival in the world by going straight through any beast that eats it, undigested, so it can drop back to earth and grow a whole new tree. So basically, you can poop a new tree.
The good news is that there is something you can do to ensure those nuts don’t make you fart. The bad news is Pete Evans is right (ugh).
You’ve got to soak, sprout or ferment those seeds in order to break down those compounds so you can digest the nuts without playing the national anthem out of your butt.
The best way for me has been to ‘activate’ the nuts, which basically means you soak them and then put them in the oven on low so they dry out (traditionally this was done in the sun, but you know, technology and hygiene).
When you soak the nuts, you trick them into thinking it’s time to germinate and they begin to break down the phytates and tannins in preparation for sprouting and growing a new tree. Except before they get to become a tree, you’re going to eat those bad boys. Sucked in, tree.
For a great guide on how to activate various types of nuts, check this guide from Move Nourish Believe.
So now I’m happily back on my anti-crazy-person diet, and I’m activating my nuts like a giant wanker. But I’m much more comfortable, my pants fit better, and my family is quietly grateful. #winwin
Do you avoid nuts for windy reasons? Would you activate your almonds?
I’ve never had that ‘issue’ with nuts. But we won’t talk about chick peas … I’m sure I’m going to shoot them out like a pellet gun one day!
Aren’t walnuts amazing? I have them on everything and made the most amazing beetroot and walnut hummus the other night – yum, yum, yum.
I didn’t know about such things and anxiety. Very interesting.
x
Lol re the chick peas, Cheryl! I bloody love walnuts! My local bakery does a walnut sourdough that is to die for. x
So the hipsters were on to something after all?! I never knew that was why you should activate nuts. Thanks for the intel!
Yeah, the hipsters know all, Sunny! Damn it.
I never knew that about nuts. I just thought I was farting more because of getting older and growing more whiskers 😉 My gran used to fart as she went up stairs, and we grandchildren would walk behind her laughing all the way! Maybe she ate a lot of nuts!
Lol Jo. I hear you on the whiskers!
Ha ha ha, your Gran sounds awesome!
another good post thankyou carolyn!
“i am what I eat! and I eat nuts!” … someone?!?!
sums it up nicely I thought!
yes, I do soak mine and beans also, for a long time before cooking, reducing the fart factor!
all good i’d say!
have a good week girls! love m:)X
Why “ugh” at Pete Evans?
Wow, im so glad I found this article! Thankyou. I have been going insane the last few weeks. I’ve cut processed carbs and sugar in a quest to get toned, eating really healthy and snacking on nuts. Never had so many gut issues. Lol! Makes sense now. Huge lol ‘popping trees’. Haha activated nuts here I come
Oh good, hope it helps! x
Go vegan and enjoy macadamia nuts.