Grandma always had this little friend in her kitchen kingdom to reign over recipes. For a winsome stride over sumptuous savories or for a strict check on common ailments, Badam added crunch, delight and nutrition to every thing from shrikhand and kheer to sherbat and pinni.
Then rampaged the calorie revolution and the notion that nuts are “not” for the cholesterol-conscious. But the good news is that almonds actually lower the cholesterol levels, at least that is what the Almond Board of California and its recently-formed Indian Almond Advisory Board preach.
Chandigarh Times finds more from Dr Achintya Moulick, a city-based cardio-vascular surgeon who is also a part of the five-member almond advisory board that includes educationists, doctors and nutritionists to highlight the importance of balanced dietary patterns and healthy snacking habits among Indians.
“Our country already knows about the benefits of almonds for centuries now and the nut is essentially important in the ayurvedic tradition. But unfortunately now that a study conducted in California is proving the same to be a useful alternative medicine, we are taking notice. Through history and tradition, badam is a richie-rich nut but now let us also supplement it scientifically,” explains Dr Moulick.
Is it a health or commercial proposition? “Both and why not. If we can promote junk food and gutkha, almonds are only little health supplements,” says the doctor who cautions, “But there should be an objective approach from the consumer. For example an independent study will also be conducted in city and a placebo effect will be observed on two sample groups that consume almonds and not to scientifically support the study.”
Raw, roasted, soaked, dipped in caramel or in butter form, almonds are more than simple nuts that can lighten the pocket as well as the cholesterol level!
Then rampaged the calorie revolution and the notion that nuts are “not” for the cholesterol-conscious. But the good news is that almonds actually lower the cholesterol levels, at least that is what the Almond Board of California and its recently-formed Indian Almond Advisory Board preach.
Chandigarh Times finds more from Dr Achintya Moulick, a city-based cardio-vascular surgeon who is also a part of the five-member almond advisory board that includes educationists, doctors and nutritionists to highlight the importance of balanced dietary patterns and healthy snacking habits among Indians.
“Our country already knows about the benefits of almonds for centuries now and the nut is essentially important in the ayurvedic tradition. But unfortunately now that a study conducted in California is proving the same to be a useful alternative medicine, we are taking notice. Through history and tradition, badam is a richie-rich nut but now let us also supplement it scientifically,” explains Dr Moulick.
Is it a health or commercial proposition? “Both and why not. If we can promote junk food and gutkha, almonds are only little health supplements,” says the doctor who cautions, “But there should be an objective approach from the consumer. For example an independent study will also be conducted in city and a placebo effect will be observed on two sample groups that consume almonds and not to scientifically support the study.”
Raw, roasted, soaked, dipped in caramel or in butter form, almonds are more than simple nuts that can lighten the pocket as well as the cholesterol level!
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