What specific anti-digestive compounds do soaking dried black beans overnight help to reduce, minimizing potential discomfort?
Answer
Hard-to-digest oligosaccharides.
Dried legumes naturally contain complex carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides, which the human digestive system cannot easily break down in the small intestine because it lacks the necessary specific enzymes. When these undigested sugars reach the large intestine, resident bacteria rapidly ferment them, which often results in temporary side effects like gas and bloating. By soaking dried beans overnight and ensuring this soaking water is discarded before the actual cooking process begins, a significant quantity of these gas-producing oligosaccharides is leached out into the water, thereby minimizing potential digestive upset.
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