Why Should Sattu Be Your Summer Drink? Health Benefits And More!

Once the summer season hits the territory of India, you will find many people shifting to Sattu sharbat instead of drinking hot drinks like coffee or tea. Why is this drink so popular and liked by many? Our expert, Mrs. Anupama Girotra who is a certified Dietician insists on shifting to Sattu for the summer season!

Sattu is a type of flour that is very popular in regions of India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The flour is a combination of different pulses and grains, with the main grain being the roasted Bengal gram flour.

Sattu is a staple food item in regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh within India. This flour is used as the main ingredient in many regional dishes such as paratha, litti chokha, and daal baati churma while it can also be consumed as a drink or a sharbat.

Many times, Sattu is referred to as ‘Poor man’s protein’. It is the latest food that has gained popularity and is recognized as a superfood. It has many health benefits and some very quick and tasty recipes could be made using this main ingredient. It is high in nutrients and is often called the powerhouse of energy.

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Back Story Of Sattu

As per legend, Sattu originated in Tibet. It is known as ‘Tsampa’. It was believed to be a staple food item for monks who used to travel places to gain enlightenment. Sattu played an important role in the 1999 Kargil War too. Not many people are aware of the fact that the win was initially achieved by the courtesy of Ladakh Scouts, an infantry regiment of the Indian army. The unit was instrumental in ensuring that not only the little battalion posted up there got their ammunition and information supply, but food as well— especially Sattu!

Sattu finds a mention in the Holy Quran as well. It goes by the Arabic name ‘Saweeq’ (barley Sattu) and is one of the holy foods mentioned in the Quran. As per legend, Prophet Muhammad, on his way from Khyber rested in a village. In the morning, he said to one of his followers: “Whatever food a person has, he should bring it to us.” The food brought to his table was ‘hais’— a delicious, filling, nourishing concoction made of dates and ‘saweeq’. It soon became sweet to be offered during weddings and a part of the ration carried by Arab traders.

Health Benefits Of Consuming Sattu In Summers

• Sattu is a good source of protein, especially for people who consume vegetarian food and for individuals who are looking for an organic protein shake! The protein shake made with sattu will help your muscles gain weight.
• With summers, you are bound to feel super hot and at times, may even suffer a heat stroke. This summer drink will help you get rid of heat and provide you with ample energy to withstand the heatwave.
• Sattu helps fight digestion-related issues like flatulence, constipation and acidity, inflammation, and indigestion, making it a great drink for your stomach!
• Sattu is rich in calcium and other minerals and vitamins like iron, which benefit blood circulation and can reduce inflammation.
• Drinking a glass of the Sattu sharbat will help your body stay hydrated throughout the day while giving substance to your stomach!
• Sattu is said to strengthen hair and improve skin quality.
• Sattu is gluten-free in nature and is an excellent choice for when women are menstruating.
• If you want to reduce weight, you can start consuming Sattu on an empty stomach. It will help in reduce bloating and also enhance your metabolism and burn calories effectively.

Types Of Sattu

You can find different varieties of sattu readily available in the market, mainly Chana Sattu, Barley Satu, and Wheat Sattu (Atta).

The three have differences wherein the major grain is of sattu and the minor grain is of the other pulse you choose, according to what suits your bodily digestion better.

Drinks You Can Try With Sattu

For when you want to add Sattu to your drinks, you can try two versions that have extreme tastes for your taste buds. You can either go salty or sweet. There is no in-between with this food ingredient while it may be the best go-to summer drink for you!

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