Hi Matha,

Martha Seagoe wrote:
> then Alan wrote:
> >You are correct in principle IMHO. OTOH, a stored nut is a
> dried nut
> >which has never been subjected to water and hence has
> never had its
> >enzyme inhibitors neutralised. I personally, for example,
> have
> >digestive problems with old, dried nuts but have no
> problems at all
> >with fresh.
>
> Me:
> Alan, a freshly fallen nut is also a nut that has never had its
> enzyme inhibitors neutralized.

Not so (at least not as long as it fell because it was ripe rather
than being shaken down by wind or humans). The nutshell of a ripe
nut cracks a few days before it falls and the nut is thus subjected
to rain or humidity. The cracking nearly always releases the nut
either when it hits the ground or shortly afterwards. If you have or
know of the whereabouts of a walnut tree, for example, you can
investigate this yourself.

> Carol asked if the amounts of
> enzyme inhibitors change as the nut ages.  I'd be interested
> in hearing about this too, and any sources you have on this.

Nuts which are industrially harvested are generally harvested
shortly before they are ripe. This is simply because the nut
would soon go rancid if harvested with a cracked shell. Shelled
nuts are either sold in airtight bags or else they are irradiated
(they still have a limited shelf-life though as they still go
rancid sooner or later unless roasted or otherwise treated). Thus
only roasted nuts are free of the antienzyme).

> How do you know your digestive problems with older, dried
> nuts are because of enzyme inhibitors?

Because enough research has been done on which nuts and seeds
inhibit which human enzyme. I put a small list in here a couple
of weeks ago.

> An even more important issue with older nuts, IM*A*HO, is
> the issue of damaged (oxydized or aged) fats.  For this
> reason I would tend to agree that nuts are a more healthful
> food when eaten fresh.
>
Rancid fat is indeed an additional problem, particularly with the
oilier nuts such as walnuts, peanuts etc..

Cheers,

Alan