Chickpea flour (besan)

grains

GI: 28 (Low)
🌾
1619 cal
P:22gC:58gF:7g
10.8g fiber
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 100g

Calories1619

Total Fat6.7g

Saturated Fat0.0g

Total Carbs57.8g

Fiber10.8g

Sugars10.8g

Protein22.4g

Macro Breakdown

Protein22.4g (24%)
Carbs57.8g (61%)
Fat6.7g (16%)

Glycemic Impact

Glycemic Index28 (Low)
Glycemic Load8
Insulin Index38

Health Scores (0-10)

10.0
Metabolic
9.1
Inflammation
10.0
Hormonal
9.9
Gut Health
5.2
Skin Health
4.9
Brain Health
10.0
Bone Health
10.0
Sleep
10.0
Exercise
7.7
Longevity
8.3
Detox
9.4
Immunity
10.0
Pral
4.2
Satiety
0.0
Nutrient Density
5.0
Bioavailability
10.0
Electrolyte
10.0
Methylation

🧬 How Chickpea flour (besan) Affects Your Health

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Testosterone 26% DV

Zinc (undefined% DV) supports testosterone production. It's a cofactor for 5α-reductase and inhibits aromatase.

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Cortisol & Stress 40% DV

Magnesium (undefined% DV) calms the nervous system. It blocks NMDA receptors and reduces stress-induced cortisol spikes.

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Cortisol 29% DV

Vitamin B6 (undefined% DV) helps produce serotonin and GABA — calming neurotransmitters that counter cortisol.

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Thyroid 15% DV

Selenium (undefined% DV) converts T4 to active T3. Essential for thyroid function.

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Anemia

iron + folate. Iron-deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency. Vitamin C increases non-heme iron absorpt.

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Pcos

magnesium + zinc. Insulin resistance drives 70%+ of PCOS. These nutrients improve insulin sensitivity, reduce androgen.

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Iron 27% DV

27% DV. Supports red blood cells and oxygen transport. Low iron = fatigue, brain fog.

⚡

Magnesium 40% DV

40% DV. Calms nerves, relaxes muscles, supports sleep.

Complete Nutrient Profile

NutrientAmount / 100g% Daily Value
Energy Kcal1619.0 kJ—
Protein22.4 g45% DV
Total Fat6.7 g9% DV
Carbohydrate57.8 g21% DV
Fiber10.8 g39% DV
Sugar10.8 g22% DV
Sodium64.0 mg3% DV
Calcium45.0 mg3% DV
Iron4.9 mg27% DV
Magnesium166.0 mg40% DV
Phosphorus318.0 mg25% DV
Potassium846.0 mg18% DV
Zinc2.8 mg26% DV
Vitamin B60.5 mg29% DV
Folate437.0 µg109% DV
Vitamin A2.0 µg—
Vitamin E0.8 mg6% DV
Vitamin K9.1 µg8% DV
Selenium8.3 µg15% DV

Compare Chickpea flour (besan) With...

Alcoholic beverage, rice (sake)
561 cal
Amaranth grain, cooked
429 cal
Amaranth grain
1554 cal
Amaranth leaves, cooked, boiled, drained
88 cal
Amaranth leaves, cooked, boiled, drained
88 cal
🔗 Related Guides: 🏥 PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) 🩸 Iron Deficiency / Low Ferritin 🩸 Magnesium Deficiency 🧬 Testosterone 🧬 Cortisol 🧬 Thyroid (T3/T4)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chickpea flour (besan) a good protein source?
Yes. Chickpea flour (besan) provides 22.39g of protein per 100g — that's 45% of the daily value. As a plant protein, combine with complementary sources (grains, nuts) for complete amino acid profile.
How does Chickpea flour (besan) support gut health?
Chickpea flour (besan) contains 10.8g of fiber per 100g (39% DV). Fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids (butyrate) that reduce inflammation, strengthen the gut barrier, and improve insulin sensitivity. The high fiber content also slows glucose absorption, reducing insulin spikes.
Does Chickpea flour (besan) affect hormones?
Yes — Chickpea flour (besan) is rich in magnesium (40% DV), which Reduces SHBG → more free T. Lowers cortisol by suppressing ACTH. Required for vitamin D activation (which also supports T).. magnesium supports Testosterone and Cortisol production. fiber supports Estrogen and Insulin production. vitamin b6 supports Progesterone and Dopamine production.
Is Chickpea flour (besan) good for blood pressure?
Yes. Chickpea flour (besan) provides 846mg of potassium per 100g (18% DV). Potassium helps lower blood pressure by counteracting sodium's effects and relaxing blood vessel walls. The sodium-to-potassium ratio is 13.2.
Can people with diabetes eat Chickpea flour (besan)?
Chickpea flour (besan) has a glycemic index of 28 (low) and glycemic load of 8. Its low GI means it releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream — generally fine for diabetics in reasonable portions. Contains 10.8g fiber which helps moderate the blood sugar response.
Does Chickpea flour (besan) contain anti-nutrients?
Phytates (especially in whole grains — bind zinc, iron, calcium). Lectins (wheat germ agglutinin — reduced by cooking). Sourdough fermentation reduces phytates 70-90%. Soaking + cooking helps. Yeast fermentation (bread) partially breaks down phytates. Whole grains have more nutrients but also more phytates — the net effect is still positive.
How filling is Chickpea flour (besan)?
Chickpea flour (besan) has a satiety score of 4.2/10. The 22.39g protein stimulates PYY (satiety hormone). The 10.8g fiber adds bulk and slows digestion. This makes it effective for appetite control between meals.