Both are rich in protein, but which one should you choose if you want to lose weight?

The taste of oil fried food made by dipping it in gram flour is impeccable. Be it gram flour or chhatu, both are an integral part of henshel. Just as gram flour is needed for fried food, many people rely on chhatu makha or chhatu sharbat, whether fasting or rushing to work in the morning. However, many people give importance to not only chhatu, but also gram flour as a healthy food. From dhokla to gram flour, it has also found a place in Bengali henshel.

Besan or chhatu - both are obtained from chickpeas. Both are rich in protein. But if the question arises of burning fat, which one should you choose?

What is the difference between chhatu and besan

Although besan and chhatu are obtained from chickpeas, there are some differences in the method of preparation. To make chhatu, chickpeas are roasted in dry husks and ground into powder along with the husks. On the other hand, gram flour is made by grinding dry chickpeas.

Nutritional properties of chhatu

Chhatu is rich in protein and fiber. A 2025 study report published in 'Researchgate' revealed that it contains a sufficient amount of fiber. According to nutritionists, 1 tablespoon of chhatu contains 5-7 grams of protein and 18 grams of fiber. Fiber is effective in filling the stomach and maintaining good stomach health. Apart from that, the glycemic index of chhattu (a measure or index that indicates how much a food will increase blood sugar levels) is quite low, so eating chhattu does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. It also contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Nutrient Value of Chhatu

Chhaturi is rich in protein and fiber. A 2025 study report published in 'Researchgate' revealed that it contains a sufficient amount of fiber. According to nutritionists, 1 tablespoon of chhaturi contains 5-7 grams of protein and 18 grams of fiber. Fiber is effective in filling the stomach and maintaining good stomach health. Apart from that, the glycemic index of chhaturi (a measurement or index that indicates how much a food will increase blood sugar levels) is quite low, so eating chhaturi does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. It also contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Gram Flour

Gem flour contains a sufficient amount of protein. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of gram flour contains 22 grams of protein. The calorie content of gram flour is also very low. However, the glycemic index is relatively high due to the low fiber content in gram flour. In addition to pakoras and fried foods, gram flour is used in many types of dishes including chili, dhokla, and thepla.

Which one should you choose to lose weight?

Both chhatu and gram flour are good for the body. Chhatu contains protein as well as fiber. Doctors advise eating fiber-rich foods to maintain good stomach health for weight loss. On the other hand, gram flour has enough protein. You can eat food made from both. If someone is looking for food to fill their stomach, then chhatu is better. Chhatu keeps the stomach full for a long time. Apart from that, chhatu sharbat made with lemon juice provides water to the body, and vitamin C is also available in it. It keeps the stomach cool on hot days.

Nutritionists say that there is no need to exclude either if you want to lose weight. However, their advice is to eat it wisely. Adding sugar or jaggery to chhatu sharbat will increase the calorie content. Again, although gram flour is beneficial, eating fried food is bound to increase weight. Gram flour can be eaten raw. However, using extra oil or ghee in it will increase the calories. Therefore, weight loss will depend on how you eat chhatu or gram flour.