Virat Kohli tells Gautam Gambhir to ask Rohit Sharma: ‘Subah bheege badam khaate ho?’

Trust Virat Kohli’s tongue-in-cheek comments to always hit the bull’s-eye. He did it again, this time during a conversation with Indian Men’s Cricket Team coach Gautam Gambhir for ‘A Legendary Exchange’ on BCCI.in. When Gambhir asked him what he should ask Rohit Sharma when he gets to interview him next, Kohli suggested: ‘I think it is a very simple question to Rohit — ki subah bheege badam khaate ho ki nahi (do you eat soaked almonds in the morning)?

Gambhir laughed and said, “That will help Rohit remember to come in at 11 am, not at night.” “So, Rohit, that’s the first question for you,” Kohli quipped.

India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, is known for his forgetfulness, a trait many co-players have pointed out in jest in the past.

Taking a cue from this lighthearted exchange, we decided to investigate whether bheege badam or soaked almonds can really help improve memory, as widely believed.

Nuts, which are nutrient-dense (including high amounts of unsaturated fats, fibre, protein, and essential micronutrients), can help improve the intake of essential nutrients and contribute to an overall healthier dietary pattern. Experts add that almonds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. “These contribute to heart health, improved cognitive function, and reduced inflammation. These nuts also have omega-6 fatty acids,” said Dr Bhavana P, chief dietitian, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad.

Do they improve memory?

According to consultant neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, nuts, including almonds and walnuts, have been found to improve memory (in observational studies) among humans. “Regular consumption of almonds for six months was associated with improvement in visuospatial working memory, visual memory, and learning among older adults,” said Dr Kumar.

Similar beneficial effects on memory with almonds were obtained in rats in experimental studies, he pointed out. “For humans, the optimum nut intake for better health has been suggested to be 30 grams/day,” said Dr Kumar.

How much to consume?

Consumption beyond 30 grams per day does not result in additional benefits, emphasised Dr Kumar.

Is soaking necessary?

Soaking almonds may improve their digestibility and increase the absorption of some nutrients, said Dr Kumar. However, you can also have them as a snack without soaking them.

“But it’s better to roast them and have,” said Dr Kumar.

Almonds have many benefits for the body (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

What more to consider?

Being physically active and following a healthy diet are the two most important lifestyle factors to promote healthy ageing and prevent cognitive impairment, urged Dr Kumar.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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