A Classical Review on the Traditional Nutritional Food of India – Sattu

Abstract

Objective: Sattu is one of the famous traditional foods of India. It is also used  as medicine for treatment of many diseases, as dietary supplement for  maintaining health and for prevention of different diseases. Aim of the  present study was to compile and analyze the information regarding Sattu,  available in various classical texts of Ayurveda. Data Sources: Ayurvedic texts mainly Brihattrayee comprising Charaka  Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Samgraha and Ashtanga Hridaya and  various lexicons of Ayurveda were critically analyzed for the present review.  Results: Sattu can be prepared from grains/cereals or medicinal plants or  processed food articles. Sattu prepared from grains/cereals can be used as  dietary supplement and Sattu prepared from medicinal plants can be used in  various medical conditions or diseases as per the disease alleviating  properties of the medicinal plant.  Conclusion: Sattu is described by almost every classical text. In classics  various properties of Sattu have been described in detail. Sattu is a nutritious  food and its description is found in the form of Mantha as a regular drink for  instant energy and strength.