Does Besan Cause Gas

Question

I’ve been including more besan (gram flour) in my meals lately because I’m trying to cut down on wheat and eat healthier. But I’ve noticed some discomfort in my stomach after eating dishes made with besan, like pakoras and chillas. It made me wonder, does besan cause gas, or is it just something wrong with how I’m preparing it?

Usually, I feel bloated or gassy a few hours after eating besan, and it seems worse when I eat it at night. Could this be because besan is heavy to digest? Or is it just my digestion being weak? I’ve heard mixed opinions—some people say besan is great for digestion, while others say it can cause bloating. So, does besan cause gas in certain people, or is it more about how it’s cooked?

I also wonder if it’s related to the spices I use. When I make besan dishes, I usually add turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Are these spices helping or making the problem worse? Or is it just that besan causes gas naturally, and I should avoid it altogether?

Another thing I’m curious about is whether soaking besan before cooking would help. I know soaking helps with lentils and beans, but since besan is already a flour, would it make any difference? If besan causes gas, are there ways to prepare it that reduce this issue?

I’ve also read that Ayurveda classifies certain foods as heating or cooling. Does this mean besan could aggravate certain doshas, like Vata, which might explain the gas and bloating? Is there any Ayurvedic advice on how to make besan more digestible, or should people with sensitive digestion avoid it completely?

Finally, does the time of day matter when eating besan? If I avoid it at night and only eat it in the morning, would that help reduce gas? I really like besan-based recipes and don’t want to give them up unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Besan (gram flour) can cause digestive discomfort like bloating and gas in some people, particularly if they have a sensitive stomach or weak digestion. It is considered heavy to digest in Ayurveda, especially for those with a Vata or Pitta imbalance. The combination of besan's dense nature and the spices you use (like cumin, chili powder, and turmeric) can sometimes aggravate the digestive system, especially if consumed at night when digestion tends to be slower. To reduce the gas and bloating, you can try soaking the besan before cooking, though this may not be as effective as with beans or lentils since besan is already finely ground. Cooking besan with digestive aids like ginger, asafoetida (hing), or fennel can help improve its digestibility. It's also helpful to avoid eating besan-heavy dishes late at night and instead consume them earlier in the day when your digestive fire (agni) is stronger. If you experience persistent discomfort, you might want to limit your intake or choose lighter preparations. Additionally, considering your dosha (Vata or Pitta) and adjusting your food choices accordingly can help balance digestion.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Besan can definitely be gas-inducing for some folks, and there are plenty of reasons why that might happen. You’re onto something with the idea that besan might be heavy to digest, especially during the night. In Ayurveda, besan (gram flour) is considered to have a drying and heavy quality, which can aggravate Vata dosha. This could lead to bloating and gas in individuals who already have a Vata imbalance or weaker digestive fire (Agni).

Interestingly, preparation and timing play a huge role here. Eating heavier foods like besan at night might weigh your digestion down because the body’s natural Agni is often weaker late in the day. Maybe try having your besan dishes earlier, like during lunch when digestion is stronger.

As for your spices, turmeric and cumin can actually aid digestion—they're known for reducing gas and bloating. But chili powder might be a culprit here; it can aggravate Vata and Pitta, leading to digestive discomfort. Consider using spices like asafoetida (hing) and ginger, both known for their carminative properties to further help with bloating.

Now, soaking besan before cooking isn’t typical since it's a flour, but to make it more digestible, you could ensure it's cooked thoroughly and use a little ghee when preparing to balance its dry nature.

Regarding the heating or cooling nature of foods, besan is generally heating. So, if your Vata is aggravated, it's best to consume it with cooling foods like yogurt or coconut. Try reducing the quantity you consume as well—smaller portions can be easier for the stomach to handle and less likely to cause gas.

Lastly, keep observing how you feel after consuming various besan-based dishes. If the discomfort persists or worsens, it might be worth reducing its intake temporarily or combining it with gut-soothing Ayurvedic teas like ginger or fennel. Also, soaking legumes before making besan might not make sense, but ensuring they are fresh and properly stored certainly helps.

Stick with warmer and freshly prepared dishes, stay hydrated, and see how your body adapts. If the bloating doesn't ease up, it might be worth talking to a practitioner for a more personalized approach based on your dosha type.

Does Besan Cause Gas - #3897

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