To maximize digestive potential and energy resouce management soaking is the way to go.Hydration and mastication will make for maximum benefit.Dry and inadequate chewing makes for constipation and energy depletion along with all the baggage of backing up the system.cashews dont need soaked there not a nut,but if you do soak they become creamy which is great for smoothies.I like mixing cashews,macadamien and brazil nuts to make a glorious nut-milk base.Almonds are the most difficult raw almonds are very dirty because of how they are harvested.I rinse mine 2-4 times and massage them well to remove as much as possible and the water gets very murky looking.Nuts are easy to over do and can back things up if your not wise about consumption.Fruits are totally hydrated,nuts are not,Ive never heard of anyone dehydrating a nut.Humanity has used soaking as a food prep throughout history to enhance digestion BEANS which are very problematic are known for being soaked.Do you have to soak,no do you have to juice no do you have to blend no do you have to breath deeply no do have to get sunshine no.Maximizing potential is a good thing but it is a choice for the individual to make.Now im going to shovel some snow,may spring come quickly.