Is besan high in protein?

Yes, besan is a rich source of plant-based protein, making it a great protein-rich food for vegetarians and vegans. Note that 100 g of besan consists of approximately 22 g of protein.

What is besan made of?

Besan is made from chana dal or ground chickpeas. It is used to make pakoras, cutlets, eggless tomato omelettes, ladoos, etc.

Is besan good for skin?

Yes, besan is a natural home remedy for your skin. It helps to brighten and gently cleanse your skin. You can use besan in homemade face masks to give your skin a natural glow.

Is besan good for weight loss?

Besan may be good for weight loss due to its low-calorie content, high protein, and fiber levels. It helps in creating a sense of fullness, controlling hunger cravings, and supporting healthy weight management.

10 Health Benefits of Besan : Nutritional Value & More

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Health |Published on :September 08, 2023 |Last Updated :March 03, 2025

Introduction

Chickpea flour, commonly known as besan, has been a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine for centuries. Made from ground chickpeas, there is a wide range of health benefits to besan, along with its delightful taste and unique texture.

Besan has a smooth and silky texture with a fine, powdery consistency. It typically has a light yellow colour, although variations may occur depending on the variety of chickpeas used. When cooked, besan transforms into a creamy and slightly nutty substance, adding depth to various dishes. Its mild and subtle taste makes it an excellent ingredient for both sweet and savoury recipes. If you’re looking for high-quality besan flour to make the most delicious meals, check out Aashirvaad Besan available at the ITC store.

In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of besan, including its texture, appearance, and taste. We will also delve into its nutritional profile, highlight its numerous health benefits and discuss ways to incorporate it into your diet.

Besan Nutritional Value

Besan is not only flavourful but also highly nutritious. It is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and plant-based proteins. It is also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy diet. Additionally, there are nutritional benefits of gram flour since it contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, along with vitamins like folate and vitamin B6.

Wondering what the nutritional value of besan is? Here is the nutrient content of 100 grams of besan:

Nutrient	Amount Per 100 g
Energy	429 kcal
Protein	20 g
Carbohydrate, by difference	71.43 g
Total Sugars	0 g
Total Dietary Fibre	14.3 g
Total Lipid (Fat)	5.71 g
Calcium	46 mg
Iron	5.71 mg
Sodium	29 mg
Potassium	874 mg

10 Benefits of Besan You Must Know

Here’s a list of 10 benefits of besan you can keep in mind the next time you’re munching on a besan ladoo:

High in Protein: Besan is an excellent plant-based protein source, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans. It can help promote muscle growth and repair, support a healthy metabolism, and aid in weight management.
Digestive Health: The dietary fibre present in besan promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation. It supports a healthy gut microbiome and can help alleviate digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
Blood Sugar Control: Besan has a low glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels compared to refined wheat flour. This property can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Heart Health: Besan is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it heart-friendly. The presence of dietary fibre and potassium in besan can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Weight Management: With its high protein and fibre content, besan can help promote satiety and control appetite. Including besan in your diet can assist in weight management by reducing calorie intake and preventing overeating.
Energy Boost: The complex carbohydrates in besan provide a sustained release of energy, making it an excellent choice for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Besan is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It can be used as a substitute for wheat flour in various recipes, allowing those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy a wide range of dishes.
Bone Health: Besan contains essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which contribute to strong and healthy bones. Regular consumption of besan might aid in preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
Skin Health: Gram flour has benefits for the skin as it has natural exfoliating properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare. Applying besan-based face masks can help cleanse the skin, remove dead cells, and promote a brighter complexion.
Hair Care: Besan can be used as a natural hair cleanser due to its ability to remove excess oil and dirt. It also helps nourish the hair and promote overall scalp health.

Try Out: Aashirvaad Besan

Healthy Besan Dishes You Can Try

Besan offers numerous culinary possibilities. It can be used to make a variety of dishes, including traditional Indian snacks like pakoras, cheela (pancakes), and dhoklas. Besan can also be used as a thickener in soups and gravies or as a coating for fried foods. It is also used to make onion fritters, vada pav, cutlets and other popular street food items.

You can also use it to make besan bhindi, besan capsicum dry sabji and kadhi chawal. It can even be used to prepare desserts like besan ladoo or used as a gluten-free alternative in baking.

Conclusion

From being a protein-packed flour to supporting digestive health, blood sugar control, and heart health, there are many health benefits of besan flour. By incorporating besan into your diet, whether in savoury or sweet dishes, you can not only enhance the flavours but also reap its nutritional benefits. However, it is essential to be mindful of allergies and exercise precautions if necessary. So, go ahead and embrace the goodness of besan in your culinary endeavours and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

check out our blogs on the Health Benefits of Multigrain Atta and Ragi Benefits for more insights.

Looking for an online store to shop for all your kitchen essentials? Look no further than the ITC online store. Whether you are craving gourmet chocolates, want to stock up your fridge with B Natural fruit beverages or refill your atta jar, the ITC online store offers all these kitchen essentials and more!

Make grocery shopping easier by downloading the ITC Store grocery app from the Google Play and Apple App Store . Shop for your daily essentials with just a few taps.

FAQ

Is besan high in protein?

Yes, besan is a rich source of plant-based protein, making it a great protein-rich food for vegetarians and vegans. Note that 100 g of besan consists of approximately 22 g of protein.
What is besan made of?

Besan is made from chana dal or ground chickpeas. It is used to make pakoras, cutlets, eggless tomato omelettes, ladoos, etc.
Is besan good for skin?

Yes, besan is a natural home remedy for your skin. It helps to brighten and gently cleanse your skin. You can use besan in homemade face masks to give your skin a natural glow.
Is besan good for weight loss?

Besan may be good for weight loss due to its low-calorie content, high protein, and fiber levels. It helps in creating a sense of fullness, controlling hunger cravings, and supporting healthy weight management.