Chickpeas are a wonderful source of fibre and protein, but before you grind them into fine dust and make sattu powder out of it, hear us out. Instead of shelling chickpeas and throwing away the husks, next time grind your peas along with their brown outer covering. The ground chickpea husk dust is loaded with nutrition and can make your sattu the superfood your never thought it could be.
We reached out to health experts to understand the health benefits of adding these husks into our regular diet. Deepalakshmi, registered nutritionist at Shree Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai told indianexpress.com that chickpea husks, often overlooked and discarded, are a valuable source of nutrition.
Health benefits of husks
“They are rich in insoluble dietary fibre, which helps regulate bowel movements, supports healthy digestion, and promotes satiety—making it easier to manage weight. This fibre also slows the absorption of glucose, which can help in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, particularly beneficial for people with diabetes,” said Deeepalakshmi, adding that beyond fibre, chickpea husks contain antioxidants, polyphenols, and trace minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc that support immune health and reduce inflammation. Their natural prebiotic effect also nourishes the good bacteria in the gut, improving gut health and overall well-being.
According to her, including these husks in sattu powder not only enhances texture but also makes the flour more wholesome, offering a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients that are often lost in more refined forms.
Chickpeas are loaded in fibre (Source: Freepik)
Concurring, Dt. Madhavi Savani, Clinical Dietician, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, added that chickpea husks offer notable nutritional benefits and play an important role when included in sattu powder. There are two primary reasons for their inclusion.
First, chickpea husks are a good source of B complex vitamins and are particularly rich in dietary fiber. Consuming sattu with husks can help meet approximately one-fourth of the daily fiber requirement, supporting digestive health and regular bowel movements.
Second, the chickpea husk content enhances the water storing capacity in the gut, which supports hydration and improves the secretion of gastric juices. This can aid in smoother digestion and better nutrient absorption.
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“Apart from this, the sattu powder and chickpea husk combination aids in weight loss journey, and also helps to control diabetes and lowers the bad cholesterol,” said the dietitian.
Savani added that sattu is generally considered an alkaline food, which helps maintain a healthy gut environment by balancing acidity levels in the stomach. “When sattu is mixed with buttermilk, it forms a natural probiotic drink. Regular, moderate consumption can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet since it is a great source for rehydration during summer,” she concluded.
From chef Nidhi Sharma’s kitchen, here’s a quick recipe to help you make a sattu cooler at home:
In a bowl, add a half cup of chickpea powder, half a cup of dahi, 3 tablespoons of jaggery, 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder, and salt according to taste. Add a spoon of coriander, mint and chili paste. Mix everything together and pour a litre of cold water till it reaches a light watery consistency. Your sattu coolant is ready to enjoy.
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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.
