Phytate is an anti-nutrient in almonds you may need to worry about. According to Healthline, phytate (phytic acid) is a substance found in the seeds of plants that provides a stored source of the mineral phosphorous, which the seed will need when it begins to grow. When humans eat almonds, however, the phytate can impair the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium and may lead to mineral deficiencies. Healthline notes that almonds are very high in this anti-nutrient, containing between 0.4 and 9.4 percent phytate by dry weight.

Sprouting almonds before eating them, however, is a great way to reduce the nuts' phytate levels. Nutrition educator Mira Dessy told The List, "Phytic acid binds to minerals such as magnesium and zinc. After sprouting, these minerals are more bio-available due to the removal of the phytic acid coating."

If you've never tried it before, sprouting nuts and seeds is quite easy — all it takes is a bit of water, salt, and time. In a since-deleted post on her website, The Ingredient Guru, Dessy provided instructions, and suggested soaking almonds for 8 to 12 hours to properly sprout them.