Besan or gram flour is basically powdered form of chickpeas. It is an important ingredient of almost all Indian households. The yummy pakoras we eat are coated with besan. Cheelas and gatte ki sabzi are other preparations made from it. However, this flour has several health benefits beyond its culinary uses. Owing to the presence of fiber, it helps in losing weight. Also, its gluten-free property keeps allergies at bay. Its low glycemic index ensures that it keeps Diabetes under check. So, let us take a look at other health benefits of gram flour.

1. Controls Diabetes

Gram flour or besan is a great remedy for keeping Diabetes under check. This is so because it possesses low levels of glycemic, which is essential for controlling Diabetes. Gram flour can be used for making various delicacies like cheela, gatte ki sabzi, kadhi and many more. You can also add it to your wheat flour to improve its nutritional value. However, make sure you use less oil while making delights from besan.

2. Keeps Heart Healthy

Owing to the presence of soluble fiber, gram flour is really good for your heart. It ensures a strong and healthy heart and keeps it going for a long time. The fiber content keeps the cholesterol level under check and therefore, keeps the arteries free from blockage. Thus, it ensures proper functioning of the heart.

3. Aides Weight Loss

Again, owing to the presence of low glycemic index, besan helps in speeding up the process of calorie burn. It also ensures that you consume less amount of calories in your diet. Therefore, incorporate besan in your regular diet. Adding it to your regular flour is a great option as it boosts its nutrition quotient.

4. Fights Allergies

It is a wonder ingredient for those who are allergic to gluten. So if you are allergic to wheat, replace it with gram flour. Besan is free from gluten and therefore, allows less consumption of calories. Al the more, this highly nutritious flour helps in fighting various types of allergic reactions.

5. Is Free from Gluten

There are several people who suffer from celiac diseases, which occur due to an allergy to gluten based food. Gluten is basically the protein content in any ingredient. It is majorly found in flours like barley and wheat. However, gram flour is free from gluten and thus, keeps allergies at bay. It also strengthens the immune system and ensures complete absorption of all the essential nutrients by the body.

6. Cures Anemia

Besan not only tackles issues like fatigue and weight gain but also wards off iron deficiency. Low content of iron leads to the severe condition of anemia in which the hemoglobin count of blood falls drastically. In severe cases, it may also lead to death. Since there is an excess requirement of blood during pregnancy, women are therefore prescribed iron capsules. Incorporating gram flour in the daily diet can cover for this iron deficiency, thus keeping anemia at bay.

7. Treats Several Diseases

Besan or gram flour is also helpful in curing various types of disorders, such as dermatitis herpetiformis, autism, autoimmune disorders, sclerosis and ADHD.

8. Tightens Skin

Apart from all these benefits, besan is good for tightening the skin and maintaining its elasticity. To use it, just make a pack by missing a spoon of gram flour, a pinch of turmeric powder and some milk to form a smooth paste. Apply it on your sagging skin and then allow it to dry. Later wash off with tap water. Finish with a good moisturizer. A regular application of this concoction will surely make you look younger by tightening your and thus, prevent sagging.

Besides all these benefits, besan or gram flour works as a great body scrub. It helps in removing dark spots, acne breakouts, excess oil secretion. It also helps in enhancing skin complexion.  To read about these in detail, click here.