Virat Kohli’s playful comments never miss the mark. In a recent chat with Indian Men’s Cricket Team coach Gautam Gambhir for ‘A Legendary Exchange’ on BCCI.in, Kohli had a witty suggestion for Gambhir regarding his upcoming interview with Rohit Sharma. When Gambhir asked what he should ask Rohit, Kohli replied, “It’s a simple question: Do you eat soaked almonds in the morning?”

Gambhir laughed and added, “That will help Rohit remember to come in at 11 am, not at night.” Kohli chimed in, “So, Rohit, that’s your first question!”

Rohit Sharma, India’s Test and ODI captain, is known for his occasional forgetfulness, a trait his teammates often tease him about.

Inspired by this light-hearted exchange, we decided to explore whether soaked almonds, or bheege badam, can actually improve memory, as is commonly believed.

Nuts are nutrient-dense, providing high levels of unsaturated fats, fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients that contribute to a healthier diet. Almonds, in particular, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Dr. Bhavana P, chief dietitian at Gleneagles Hospitals in Hyderabad, explains that these nutrients promote heart health, enhance cognitive function, and reduce inflammation.

Do They Improve Memory? Consultant neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar from Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, notes that studies have shown that nuts, including almonds and walnuts, can enhance memory. “Regular consumption of almonds over six months has been linked to improvements in visuospatial working memory, visual memory, and learning among older adults,” he says. Similar effects have also been observed in experimental studies with rats. Dr. Kumar recommends a daily intake of about 30 grams of nuts for optimal health benefits.

How Much Should You Consume? Dr. Kumar emphasizes that exceeding 30 grams per day does not yield additional benefits.

Is Soaking Necessary? Soaking almonds may enhance their digestibility and nutrient absorption, according to Dr. Kumar. However, they can also be enjoyed raw or roasted. He suggests that roasting them can be a better option for consumption.

What More to Consider? Dr. Kumar stresses that staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet are crucial lifestyle factors for promoting healthy aging and preventing cognitive decline.