Unwashed Poppy Seeds

We know that almonds offer incredible benefits for human health, but now researchers have found more evidence that almonds are particularly great for our gut health. A healthy gut promotes immunity According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating a handful of almonds every day increases butyrate production. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that improves gut health. In the gut, there are thousands of microorganisms that play an essential role in digesting nutrients. They can positively or negatively influence our health, including our digestive and immune systems. It all depends on the food we consume. Results of previous studies suggest that eating healthy foods can be great for the good bacteria in our gut. Almonds promote gut health & boost immunity A team of scientists from King's College London researched the influence of whole and ground almonds on the structure of gut microbes. The researchers recruited 87 healthy adults with some unhealthy habits to take part in the study. These were people eating unhealthy snacks like crisps, chocolate and sweets and already consuming less than the recommended amount of dietary fibre. Almonds as a healthy snack The researchers divided the participants into three groups and recommended snack change for a trial of four weeks. Group one - the participants replaced their unhealthy snacks with 56 g of whole almonds a day. Group two - the participants changed their snacks to 56 g of ground almonds daily. Group three - the control group where participants just ate energy-matched muffins once a day. Almonds increase the production of butyrate The study results show that butyrate was significantly higher among participants who ate almonds when compared to those who consumed the muffins. Butyrate is the primary source of fuel for the cells lining the large intestine (colon). When these cells are healthy and effective, the gut microbes flourish, creating a strong gut wall and all the essential nutrients to be absorbed. When the gut wall is weak, it quickly leads to inflammation, and the body cannot absorb all the nutrients it needs. Almonds can help improve constipation problems The researchers observed that eating more almonds can benefit those with constipation problems. Although no difference was observed in gut transit time (the time food moves through the gut), the whole-almond eaters experienced an extra 1.5 bowel movements per week compared to other participants. Commenting on the study results, Professor Kevin Whelan, Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King's College London, said: "Part of the way in which the gut microbiota impact human health is through the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate. These molecules act as a fuel source for cells in the colon, they regulate the absorption of other nutrients in the gut, and help balance the immune system. We think these findings suggest almond consumption may benefit bacterial metabolism in a way that has the potential to influence human health." Almonds are a great source of fibre The study results also show that consuming more almonds can improve people's diet, providing them with fibre, healthy monosaturated fatty acids, potassium and other important nutrients when compared to the control group who ate muffins as their daily snack. What can you do to increase butyrate levels? The best way to improve your gut microbiome and make it produce butyrate is to eat more plant-based products that are high in fibre, starch and pectin, including whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits. Replace your bad snacking habits with natural healthy snacks. Buy almonds online at Wholefood Earth and boost your immunity before the cold season.

Don’t be fooled, although they may be small in size, seeds are anything but small when it comes to their nutritional value! Eating more of them has been shown to provide a wide range of health benefits. What’s more, they are extremely easy to incorporate into your diet, whether as a tasty snack or as addition to many different recipes. Seeds are great sources of plant-based, healthy fats, fibre and minerals. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and many important vitamins and antioxidants. Carry on reading to discover why you need to be adding more seeds to your diet, today! Chia Seeds Chia seeds are often labelled as being a superfood – and with good reason! They are packed full of fibre, protein, and many important nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants benefit human health by neutralizing reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can contribute to aging and diseases. They are also one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for healthy brain function. One 30g serving contains approximately 5g of omega 3s! Chia seeds are incredibly easy to add to your diet, as they’re ready to eat and have a very subtle flavour. Sprinkle them over smoothies, porridge and yoghurt, or mix them into recipes such as bread and muffins. Want to read more about the health benefits of chia seeds? Check out Are Chia Seeds Good for You? Sesame Seeds Sesame seeds are very small seeds that grow in pods on the Sesamum indicum plant. Their oil content is one of the highest of any seed. You can purchase them hulled or Unhulled and they are grown in a variety of colours. Not only are Sesame seeds a good source of minerals and fibre, they’re also high in selenium, an antioxidant shown to decrease the risk of chronic disease. There is a compound found in sesame seeds called Sesamin, that may help reduce joint pain and improve arthritis of the knee due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, or if you’re wanting to bring out more of their natural nutty flavour you can bake or toast them. Perhaps most commonly known as a topping on burger buns, bagels and breadsticks, sesame seeds can actually be used in a variety of ways. They can also be tossed into salads, juices, soups or turned into Tahini, which is also known as sesame seed paste. Pumpkin Seeds Probably one of the most popular edible seed varieties around are Pumpkin seeds. Consuming just a small quantity of them can provide you with a substantial amount of magnesium, zinc, healthy fats and antioxidants. Other health benefits they may include are improved heart health, lower blood sugar and possibly aiding in better sleep. They are very versatile, you can eat them raw, salted, roast them, or bake them! Besides eating them on their own as a snack, they can also be incorporated into many meals. Try sprinkling them over your yogurt, cereal or incorporate them into smoothie mixtures. They can also be added to most baked goods. For a more in depth look at the advantages of adding pumpkin seeds to your diet, have a read of our article Pumpkin Seeds a Trick or a Treat? Hemp Seeds Hemp seeds are small brown seeds which originate from the hemp plant, they can be purchased either in a whole or shelled varieties. Hemp seeds are a great source of vitamin E and potassium. They also have the most protein of all the seeds and are rich in healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fats. As hemp seeds are one of the few plants that is a complete protein source, they contain all nine essential amino acids. This makes hemp seeds a valuable addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet. They can be added to soups, stews and salads or used to make hummus and dips. As they have a slightly nutty flavour, they can be used in place of nuts in many recipes like baked goods or energy bars. Hemp seeds can even be turned into hemp milk, which is a great dairy-free alternative to milk. Poppy Seeds Poppy seeds are a type of oilseed that is taken from the opium poppy plant. The seeds can be used whole or ground into meal as an ingredient in many foods, they can also be pressed to make poppyseed oil. Poppy seeds have quite a unique, aromatic flavour that works well in both sweet and savoury dishes. Add them to baked goods such as muffins, scones and cakes or on top of bread and pastries. They can also be sprinkled over vegetables and added to salad dressings for some extra crunch. Like most of the seeds on this list, poppy seeds are high in fibre, plant fats, and various other nutrients. Poppy seeds are especially rich in manganese, which is a trace element that is vital for blood clotting along with bone health. Manganese also aids your body in utilizing amino acids, carbs, and fats.

If you’ve spent any time in the wellness corner of the internet lately, you’ve likely seen people talking about "activating" their almonds or "sprouting" their quinoa. At first glance, it looks like just another time-consuming kitchen trend. But behind the jargon lies a fundamental piece of biological science that changes how your body actually uses the nutrients you eat. At Whole Food Earth, we focus on raw, unprocessed staples. Because our products haven't been heat-treated or roasted, they are still biologically "alive." That means they carry a natural defence system designed to keep them dormant until they are ready to grow. Here is why soaking isn't just a fad—it’s a way to unlock the food you’ve already paid for. The "Anti-Nutrient" Problem: Why Plants Have "Armor" In the wild, a seed, nut, or grain has one goal: to survive being eaten so it can eventually grow into a plant. To do this, nature equips them with "chemical armor" known as anti-nutrients. The two main culprits are: Phytic Acid: Often called a "mineral thief," phytic acid binds to essential minerals like Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium in your digestive tract. Instead of absorbing these nutrients, your body simply flushes them out. Enzyme Inhibitors: These molecules put the seed in a state of suspended animation. When you eat them "dry," these inhibitors can interfere with your own digestive enzymes, leading to that heavy, bloated feeling many people get after eating a large handful of raw nuts. The Solution: Mimicking the Rain Soaking (or activating) is essentially a trick. By submerging your [Organic Walnuts] or [Raw Pumpkin Seeds] in water, you are telling the seed that it’s "raining" and time to sprout. Once the seed thinks it’s time to grow, it naturally neutralises its phytic acid and switches off the enzyme inhibitors. The result? The minerals become bioavailable (ready for your body to use), and the proteins become much easier to break down. Raw vs. Roasted: The Whole Food Earth Difference There is a catch to all of this: you cannot activate a dead nut. Most supermarket nuts are roasted or pasteurised with high heat. This "kills" the seed's biological potential. You can soak a roasted almond for three days and nothing will happen because the enzymes have already been destroyed by heat. Because we specialise in unprocessed whole foods, our range is perfect for activation. Whether it’s our Organic Chia Seeds or Organic Cashews, these products are still in their natural state, meaning they are ready to respond to the soaking process. A Simple Guide to Soaking Times You don't need a lab to do this. Just a glass jar, some filtered water, and a pinch of salt (which helps activate the enzymes). Ingredient Soaking Time Why? Almonds 8–12 Hours Thick skins need the most time to break down phytic acid. Walnuts & Pecans 4–6 Hours High in tannins; soaking removes the bitter "dusty" taste. Cashews 2–4 Hours Softer structure; soaking too long makes them slimy. Pumpkin/Sunflower Seeds 6–8 Hours Breaks down enzyme inhibitors for better digestion. Grains (Quinoa/Rice) 8+ Hours Greatly reduces cooking time and improves texture. What Do You Do After Soaking? Once the time is up, discard the soaking water (it’s full of the phytic acid you’re trying to avoid) and rinse the food thoroughly. For immediate use: Add them straight to smoothies, salads, or cooking pots. For snacking: If you want that "crunch" back, you’ll need to dry them out in a dehydrator or an oven at the lowest possible temperature (below 65°C) to keep the enzymes intact. Is it Worth the Nuisance? You don't have to soak every single seed you eat. However, if you rely on nuts and grains as a primary source of protein or minerals—especially in a plant-based diet—activating your staples even twice a week can significantly reduce digestive strain and mineral deficiencies. By choosing raw, unprocessed ingredients from Whole Food Earth, you are starting with the highest biological potential. A little bit of water and a few hours of patience is all it takes to turn a "dormant" seed into a nutritional powerhouse. Ready to try it? Grab a bag of our raw Organic Almonds or Milled Flaxseeds and start your own activation experiment today.