Indian playback singer Sukhwinder Singh recently shared an age-old home remedy for those suffering from throat infections. “Besan ko toh gale ke liye hamare shashtriya sangeet mein saraswati prasad bolte hai. Woh dust le leeta hai. Toh besan ka ladoo khaa lo y ya besan ki roti khaa lo. Jitni dust hai woh flush kara dega. Besan ka ladoo khaya toh throat infections, which happen due to dust, woh the theek hojayega. (Gram flour or besan has the potency to absorb dust, which is why it is called Saraswati Prasad in classical music. It is a cure for throat infections that happen due to dust),” said Singh in a conversation with Mashable India.
Taking a cue from his revelation, we turned to Dt. Gulnaaz Shaikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, to understand the effectiveness of besan or gram flour.
From a dietitian’s perspective, besan (gram flour) is a protein-rich ingredient. It’s traditionally eaten during colder months for its warming and nourishing qualities. “When made with ghee, like in ladoos or rotis, it can soothe the throat, especially if irritation comes from dryness or fatigue. However, it remains more of a home remedy than a medically confirmed treatment,” said Shaikh.
What should people keep in mind before trying this?
While besan has nutritional benefits and is high in protein, fibre, and iron, it is also dense and heavy to digest. “Eating too much, especially with ghee and sugar in ladoos, can cause acidity or discomfort in some people. If throat discomfort is caused by acid reflux or inflammationconsuming besan-based foods could exacerbate the symptoms. Moderation and the overall situation matter,” said Shaikh.
Is this approach safe or effective for everyone?
Not really. Individuals with food sensitivities, particularly to legumes, or those experiencing digestive issues such as bloating, acidity, or GERD, should avoid using besan as a throat remedy.
“It is also high in calories, which is not ideal for people on weight-loss or low-fat diets. Children, older adults, or those with dietary restrictions should talk to a nutritionist before trying these remedies often,” said Shaikh.
Warm besan dishes can provide temporary relief, but shouldn’t be seen as a cure, urged Shaikh.
“For throat health, it is important to stay hydrated, drink warm fluids, consume herbal teas, and eat soft, non-irritating foods. Ongoing or frequent throat issues should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Traditional foods can be beneficial, but they work best alongside informed, evidence-based nutrition care,” Shaikh said.
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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.