Every living creature has its own defense mechanisms to protect themselves from their predators. Animals and humans have the strength to defend themselves. For plants, it’s a bit different, their defense mechanisms are unleashed when they are eaten. Many plant foods touted as the pinnacle of health have anti-nutrients that can damage the gut, decrease the absorption of essential micronutrients, and impair digestion. These anti-nutrients can certainly be diminished in their effect through the preparation of these foods through steaming, boiling, soaking, and sprouting the specific seeds and grains.