Because of this process, sprouted seeds are essentially a predigested food. Soaking alone causes a significant decrease in anti-nutrients, as the antinutrients are leached into the soak water. Then as germination proceeds, anti-nutrients are degraded further to lower levels or nothing. Soaking for 12 hours and 3-4 days of germination completely removed all hemagglutinating activity in mung bean and lentil. Soaking for 10 hours and germination for 3 days completely eliminated amylase inhibitor in lentils.
Normal cooking removes most or all of the anti-nutrients.
These include protease inhibitors and tannins. The problem in most diets is that we don't get enough of these substances. Substantial research shows that protease inhibitors are one of the most powerful anti-carcinogens we have in our arsenal. They have proven to be particularly protective against cancer of the colon, breast, and prostate. Tannins and other polyphenols may play a role in fighting tooth decay.