Gram Flour (Besan): 23 Proven Benefits for Skin, Hair, and Health

Gram flour, more commonly known as besan, has long been valued in Indian households for its remarkable benefits. Packed with nutrients and boasting multifaceted uses—ranging from culinary art to natural beauty care—gram flour is a science-backed, affordable remedy for enhancing skin, hair, and holistic health. This article details 23 evidence-based ways besan can transform your beauty and wellness regimen, complete with usage tips and expert insights.

Table of Contents

• What is Gram Flour?
• Gram Flour for Skin: Top Benefits and How It Works
• Gram Flour for Hair: Revitalizing Your Tresses
• Gram Flour for Overall Health
• How To Use Gram Flour for Skin, Hair, and Health
• Precautions and Side Effects
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Gram Flour?

Gram flour or besan is a fine powder made by grinding raw or roasted Bengal gram (chickpeas, Cicer arietinum). It is naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and rich in essential nutrients. Besides being a staple in many Asian cuisines, it has gained traction as a natural remedy for skin and hair care across the globe due to its distinctive cleansing and nourishing properties.

Gram Flour for Skin: Top Benefits and How It Works

Gram flour’s ability to brighten, cleanse, and heal skin is well established in traditional medicine and increasingly recognized by modern science. Below are the main skin benefits of besan:

1. Removes Tan and Brightens Complexion

Basan is renowned for its ability to exfoliate dead skin cells and remove sun tan, making the skin appear visibly brighter. Its use in pre-wedding ubtan masks illustrates its deep-rooted credibility for skin whitening and improving radiance.

2. Fights Acne and Pimples

With its antibacterial and oil-absorbing properties, gram flour helps control excessive sebum production and combats acne-causing bacteria. Applying besan face packs regularly can help keep pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads at bay.

3. Gently Exfoliates and Detoxifies

• Acts as a mild exfoliant, sloughing away impurities and dead cells.
• Leaves skin feeling refreshed and free from impurities.

4. Reduces Pigmentation, Dark Spots, and Blemishes

Regular application helps lighten hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and blemishes, evening out the complexion over time.

5. Cleanses and Unclogs Pores

Besan works as an effective natural cleanser, absorbing excess oil and removing dirt lodged in the pores. It prevents buildup and reduces the risk of acne breakouts.

6. Removes Blackheads and Whiteheads

• When used as a gentle scrub, besan helps in the removal of stubborn blackheads and whiteheads, resulting in smoother, clearer skin.

7. Controls Oiliness

Gram flour naturally absorbs surplus oil, making it ideal for oily and combination skin. It keeps the skin matte and reduces the frequency of acne flare-ups.

8. Soothes and Calms Inflamed Skin

• Besan’s anti-inflammatory effects help calm irritated, inflamed, or sensitive skin conditions such as redness or mild allergic reactions.

9. Moisturizes Dry Skin (when Combined Rightly)

While gram flour itself is drying, when blended with yogurt, milk, or oils, it helps lock in moisture for soft and supple skin.

10. Anti-Aging Benefits

Besan tightens the skin and helps improve elasticity—reducing the appearance of fine lines and delaying visible signs of aging.

11. Natural Skin Lightener

With regular application, besan can help lighten the skin tone thanks to vitamins and phytonutrients that inhibit overproduction of melanin.

12. Treats Sunburn and Reduces Tanning

The cooling and healing properties of besan offer relief from sunburn, quickly restoring the skin’s natural tone.

13. Unclogs Blocked Hair Follicles on Face/Body

By acting as a natural cleanser and exfoliant, besan helps prevent and treat folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle), especially after waxing or hair removal.

Gram Flour for Hair: Revitalizing Your Tresses

Besan’s application isn’t limited to skincare alone. Routine hair care with gram flour can produce transformative results:

1. Promotes Hair Growth and Reduces Hair Loss

• Rich in protein, vitamins and micronutrients, besan nourishes the scalp and strengthens the hair shaft, helping to reduce breakage and increase thickness.

2. Cleanses Scalp and Removes Dandruff

Gram flour acts as a gentle, chemical-free cleanser, effectively removing product build-up, oil, and flakes without stripping the scalp’s natural oils.

3. Balances Scalp Oils

Its oil-absorbing properties help normalize scalp sebum, making it especially useful for oily or greasy scalp conditions.

4. Adds Natural Volume and Shine

• Regular application enhances hair volume, lends a healthy shine, and reduces frizz—making hair smoother and more manageable.

5. Prevents and Treats Scalp Infections

The natural anti-bacterial properties can help keep the scalp free from infections and inflammation that impede hair growth.

6. Delays Premature Graying

The antioxidants present in besan, such as selenium and copper, may play a role in preventing oxidative stress—potentially helping delay the onset of gray hair.

Gram Flour for Overall Health

In addition to skin and hair benefits, incorporating gram flour in your diet can promote general well-being:

• High Protein Content: Essential for muscle repair, growth, and testosterone production.
• Gluten-Free and High Fiber: Suitable for gluten-intolerant individuals and aids digestion.
• Controls Diabetes: Its low glycaemic index helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, making it ideal for diabetics.
• Promotes Heart Health: Contains healthy unsaturated fats that support cardiovascular function.
• Lowers Blood Cholesterol: The absence of trans fats and presence of soluble fiber helps minimize LDL (bad cholesterol).
• Reduces Risks of Breast Cancer: Rich in saponins and antioxidants, gram flour may help protect against hormone-related breast cancer.
• Boosts Brain Health: B-vitamins and magnesium support cognitive function and neurological health.
• Bone Health: Calcium and phosphorus content strengthens bones and may prevent osteoporosis.

How To Use Gram Flour for Skin, Hair, and Health

Applications for Skin

• Face Cleanser: Mix besan with water (or rosewater) to form a gentle paste, use as a daily cleanser for all skin types.
• Tan Removal Pack: Combine besan with lemon juice, turmeric, and milk; apply, leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse.
• Acne Pack: Mix besan with curd and a pinch of turmeric; apply as a mask to soothe inflamed skin.
• Exfoliating Scrub: Blend besan with oats and honey for a gentle DIY scrub that removes dead cells.
• Moisturizing Mask for Dry Skin: Mix besan with yogurt or mashed banana for a hydrating effect.

Applications for Hair

• Scalp Cleanser: Create a paste of besan and water or aloe vera juice; massage onto scalp and rinse for a natural cleanse.
• Volumizing Hair Mask: Mix besan with yogurt and a dash of olive oil, apply to scalp and hair, leave for 30 minutes, then wash.
• Dandruff Solution: Combine besan with neem powder and lemon juice to target itchy, flaky scalp.

Dietary Uses for Health

• Add to batters for savory pancakes (chillas), fritters (pakodas), and breads for a protein boost.
• Include in sauces, gravies, and desserts as a thickening agent that also adds nutrition.

Precautions and Side Effects

Even though gram flour is natural and generally safe, mindful use is recommended:

• Avoid using on broken or very sensitive skin to prevent irritation.
• Overuse can cause dryness, especially on already dry skin—always combine with moisturizing agents if needed.
• Patch test before trying any new face or hair mask.
• Some people may be allergic to chickpeas; discontinue use if any rash or discomfort develops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should I use gram flour face packs?

A: For oily to normal skin, 2–3 times per week is generally safe. For dry or sensitive skin, once a week with moisturizing ingredients is ideal.

Q: Can gram flour cause dryness?

A: Yes, its strong oil-absorbing properties may strip moisture. Always mix with hydrating ingredients like yogurt or honey for dry skin types.

Q: Is gram flour safe for all skin types?

A: It suits most skin types but always do a patch test. Adjust mask ingredients based on your specific skin needs.

Q: Can besan treat active acne?

A: While it can help reduce excess oil and minor breakouts, consult a dermatologist for moderate to severe acne conditions.

Q: Does eating besan have beauty benefits?

A: Consuming gram flour provides protein, iron, and fiber, all of which nourish your body from within and complement external beauty routines.

References

Evidence and recipes adapted from leading health and wellness resources. Always consult a professional for personalized advice.

Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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