Do you have to soak nuts to remove toxins?

Do you have to soak nuts to remove toxins? What is the deal with nuts?
Do they have to be soaked before eating to avoid ingesting toxins?
Our registered dietitian Sofia answers.

Reader question: I have a question about toxic substances in seeds and nuts. Should you always soak and then dry them before eating them?

The dietitian answers: “Don’t eat discolored nuts.”

It is true that some nuts and seeds contain aflatoxin, a type of mycotoxin. 

Aflatoxins are produced by certain molds, especially in warm, often tropical climates, and the toxin is therefore found almost exclusively in imported foods, such as nuts. The toxin can cause liver damage and is potentially carcinogenic. However, the risk of being affected is very low. 

The EU has strict legislation on aflatoxins, and border controls on food mean that Swedes normally consume very small amounts. Mold fungi can be killed by heating and cooking, but most mycotoxins can withstand intense heat treatment. Soaking does not have a significant effect either. 

My advice is to continue eating a variety of nuts and seeds and to be careful not to eat those that are discolored or taste bad. Nuts are very healthy and are highlighted in the new nutritional recommendations, which recommend eating 20-30 g of nuts and seeds per day.