Do you know why we are asked to soaked almonds overnight instead of consuming them or why sunflower and pumpkin seeds provide better nutrition when roasted" That’s because there’s a compound on the skin of these nuts and seeds that prevent the absorption of important minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium from the food you consume and it’s phytic acid, also popularly called as an “anti nutrient.” Deficiencies of all these minerals are so essential for weight loss and regular intake of phytic acid may actually slow down your weight loss process. Though phytic acid is connected to lower risk of kidney stones and cancer, relying on it solely and impairing mineral absorption may lead to severe deficiency of essential minerals which are required to run a majority of body functions smoothly.
What’s Phytic Acid and Why to Avoid it"
It binds minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium in the gut and makes them unavailable for the body to absorb – which in essence means if you eat calcium-rich milk or eggs with “unsoaked” almonds in the same meal, your body will less likely absorb the calcium from the milk. It’s also a storage form of phosphorous. Phytic acid is commonly found in nuts, certain seeds, whole grains and legumes. It also lowers the digestability of fat and protein.
20 Foods Rich in Phytic Acid:
1. Spinach.

2. Almonds

3. Peanuts

4. Walnuts

5. Lentils

6. Chickpeas

7. Cashewnuts

8. Pistachios

9. Kidney...