Mahesh Babu’s nutritionist reveals one desi drink, that costs just Rs 20, can reduce blood sugar, fasten weight loss

One drink, that costs barely Rs 20, can be the answer to a lot of our chronic health issues such as gut problems, lower risk of premature heart attacks and also lead to glowing skin. Taking to his blog, celebrity nutritionist Luke Coutinho extolled the multiple benefits of sattu.

Sattu is a traditional flour made by grinding roasted legumes, most commonly black chickpeas (Bengal gram), although it can also be prepared from barley, wheat, or a blend of different pulses. Its unique nutritional value comes from the roasting process, which enhances the flour in several ways. Dry roasting helps reduce naturally occurring antinutrients, improves digestibility, preserves and concentrates essential nutrients, and significantly increases its shelf life without the need for artificial preservatives. The end product is a minimally processed, nutrient-dense flour that is ready to use and offers a wholesome nutritional profile, making it a natural alternative to many commercially marketed health supplements.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

According to the Nutritive Value of Indian Foods (NIN, 2016) published by the National Institute of Nutrition, sattu contains:


Protein
Dietary fibre
Iron
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Calcium

Great For Gut Health

Sattu is a valuable source of resistant starch, a unique type of carbohydrate that escapes digestion in the small intestine and reaches the large intestine largely unchanged. Once there, it serves as nourishment for beneficial gut microbes, making sattu a true prebiotic rather than simply a fibre-rich food.

Helpful bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus ferment this resistant starch and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

These beneficial compounds help calm inflammation in the digestive tract, maintain a healthy acidic environment in the colon, reinforce the intestinal lining, and support a balanced gut microbiome. Together, these effects contribute to improved digestive health, better nutrient absorption, and enhanced overall gut function.

Boosts Heart Health

Sattu is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. PUFA and MUFA rich diets lower LDL cholesterol and protect arteries against inflammation. Magnesium and potassium work towards lowering blood pressure another culprit behind heart attacks.

Good For Those With High Blood Sugar

Satty has a low glycemic index. This makes it a great food for those battling high blood sugar levels. The combination of protein, soluble fibre, and resistant starch works together to regulate the body's blood sugar response after eating. Protein and soluble fibre slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, while resistant starch passes through the small intestine without being broken down. As a result, glucose enters the bloodstream more gradually, preventing sharp spikes in blood sugar and reducing the amount of insulin the body needs to release after a meals

Reduces Weight

The fibre in sattu aids digestion and also helps you feel fuller and therefore helps you avoid over eating.

Helps You Feel Cooler

Combined with water and black salt, sattu can help compensate electrolyte loss, which is so common during summer. Potassium aids fluid balance. Magnesium in sattu also supports neuromuscular function.

Great For Skin

Sattu has plenty of folate and niacin which supports cellular repair. Niacin prevents skin inflammation that manifests in dullness and acne breakouts. Iron is essential for cell regeneration. So having sattu in your diet can keep skin issues at bay.

Coutinho is a famous celebrity nutritionist. He has worked with stars like Mahesh Babu, Shilpa Shetty, Tammannah Bhatia etc.