Soaking nuts and seeds begins the process of germination, breaking down the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors.
Enzyme inhibitors act by binding to enzymes and decrease and/or block their actions. The enzyme inhibitors are beneficial to nuts, as they prevent the nuts from prematurely sprouting, however they also act on our digestive enzymes, preventing their proper digestion and absorption.
Research suggests that soaking your nuts and seeds for long periods of time actually increases their nutritional value.