Role of nitric oxide in the body

What is nitric oxide and how does it work?
Some people think it’s the gas that makes us laugh at the dentist office. Some think it’s the fuel racecar drivers use to speed up their cars. But it’s neither. Nitric oxide is a molecule that our body produces to help its 50 trillion cells communicate with each other by transmitting signals throughout the entire body.

There have been over 60,000 studies done on nitric oxide in the last 20 years and in 1998, The Nobel Prize for Medicine was given to three scientists that discovered the signaling role of nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide has been shown to be important in the following cellular activities:

• Help memory and behavior by transmitting information between nerve cells in the brain
• Assist the immune system at fighting off bacteria and defending against tumors
• Regulate blood pressure by dilating arteries
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve sleep quality
• Increase your recognition of sense (i.e. smell)
• Increase endurance and strength
• Assist in gastric motility

Nitric oxide and heart disease
Nitric oxide has gotten the most attention due to its cardiovascular benefits. Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prize, was prescribed nitroglycerin over 100 years ago by his doctor to help with his heart problems. He was skeptical, knowing nitroglycerin was used in dynamite, but this chemical helped with his heart condition. Little did he know nitroglycerin acts by releasing nitric oxide which relaxes narrowed blood vessels, increasing oxygen and blood flow.

The interior surface (endothelium) of your arteries produce nitric oxide. When plaque builds up in your arteries, called atherosclerosis, you reduce your capacity to produce nitric oxide, which is why physicians prescribe nitroglycerin for heart and stroke patients.

Nitric oxide and erectile dysfunction
Viagra and other impotence medications work due to their action on the nitric oxide pathway. One cause of impotence is unhealthy and aged arteries that feed blood to the sexual organs. Viagra works by influencing enzymes in the nitric oxide pathway, causing a cascade of enzymatic reactions that enhance nitric oxide, causing more blood flow and better erections.

How to increase nitric oxide in your body
The most common way to increase nitric oxide is through exercise. When you run or lift weights, your muscles need more oxygen which is supplied by the blood. As the heart pumps with more pressure to supply the muscles with blood, the lining in your arteries releases nitric oxide into the blood, which relaxes and widens the vessel wall, allowing for more blood to pass though. As we age, our blood vessels and nitric oxide system become less efficient due to free radical damage, inactivity, and poor diet, causing our veins and arteries to deteriorate. Think of a fire hose as water rushes through it to put out a fire – it needs to expand enough to handle the pressure, still keeping enough force to put out the fire. Athletes and youth have the most optimal nitric oxide systems, reflecting their energy and resilience.

Another way to increase nitric oxide is through diet, most notably by consuming the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline. Arginine, which can be found in nuts, fruits, meats and dairy, and directly creates nitric oxide and citrulline inside the cell (diagram 1).(6) Citrulline is then recycled back into arginine, making even more nitric oxide. Enzymes that convert arginine to citrulline, and citrulline to arginine need to function optimally for efficient nitric oxide production. We can protect those enzymes and nitric oxide by consuming healthy foods and antioxidants, like fruit, garlic, soy, vitamins C and E, Co-Q10, and alpha lipoic acid, allowing you to produce more nitric oxide. Nitric oxide only lasts a few seconds in the body, so the more antioxidant protection we provide, the more stable it will be and the longer it will last. Doctors are utilizing this science by coating stents (mesh tubes that prop open arteries after surgery) with drugs that produce nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide for athletes and bodybuilders

Increasing nitric oxide has become the new secret weapon for athletes and bodybuilders. Athletes are now taking supplements with L-arginine and L-citrulline to support the flow of blood and oxygen to the skeletal muscle. They also use them to facilitate the removal of exercise-induced lactic acid build-up which reduces fatigue and recovery time. Since arginine levels become depleted during exercise, the entire arginine-nitric oxide – citrulline loop can lose efficiency, causing less-than-ideal nitric oxide levels and higher lactate levels. Supplements can help restore this loop allowing for better workouts and faster recovery from workouts.

With nitric oxide deficiencies due to aging, inactivity, smoking, high cholesterol, fatty diets, and lack of healthy foods, increasing your nitric oxide levels can help increase your energy, vitality and overall wellness. The basic adage of eating well and staying active all makes sense now.

What is nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide is a colourless gas. It is also known as nitrogen monoxide and has the chemical formula NO.

Nitric oxide molecule is synthesized from molecular nitrogen and oxygen at very high temperatures of >10000C. This occurs naturally in the environment during lightning.

In the laboratory nitric oxide can be produced by reduction of nitric acid or nitrous acid. Nitric oxide has a melting point of -163.6°C (109.6 K) and a boiling point of -151.7°C (121.4 K).

Nitric oxide is called a free radical because it contains single unpaired electrons in its molecule. Hence it is reactive, and has a half-life of only a few seconds.

It is considered as an air pollutant responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer. Nitric oxide reacts with oxygen (O2) and ozone (O3) to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), a brown fume and an environmental pollutant. Nitric oxide generated from automobile engines, industries and power plants is the cause of acid rain and smog.

However, this toxic environmental pollutant has also been shown to be a very important signalling molecule in the human body.

What is the role of nitric oxide in the body?

Some of the known functions of nitric oxide are listed in the table below.

Cardiovascular system	Controls vascular tone. Relaxes vascular smooth muscles and reduces blood pressure. Dilates vessels and relieves the pain of angina. Inhibits the aggregation of platelets within the vessels and prevents thrombotic events.
Nervous system	Acts as a neurotransmitter, including in the autonomic nervous system. Increases cerebral blood flow and oxygenation to the brain. One of the important mediators in penile erection during sexual arousal.
Lungs	Dilates pulmonary vessels. Beneficial in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pulmonary hypertension and ChronicObstructive Airway Disease. Produced in abnormal amounts in inflammatory lung conditions. Concentration of NO in exhaled air can be taken as a marker of airway inflammation.
Gastrointestinal tract	Regulates the relaxation of smooth muscles. Controls peristalsis and the function of sphincters.
Renal system	Due to its vasodilatory effect, increases blood flow to the kidney. Increases the glomerular filtration rate and the production of urine.
Immune system	Modulates T cell-mediated immune response.

What is the role of nitric oxide in the skin?

Nitric oxide controls cutaneous microcirculation.

It modulates the vasodilator response of the skin to local warming and ultraviolet-B (UVB).
It mediates cutaneous oedema and inflammation.
It is involved in skin pigmentation through ultraviolet induced melanogenesis.
It may contribute to impaired barrier function.
It promotes wound healing by cellular proliferation and angiogenesis.

Nitric oxide has shown antimicrobial properties against micro-organisms.

Bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus
Dermatophytes – Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Yeasts – Candida albicans

Nitric oxide also plays an important role in T-cell mediated diseases of the skin, and it has both pro and anti-apoptotic properties depending on its concentration, cell type and availability of other substrates.

How is nitric oxide produced in the human body?

Humans produce nitric oxide by several mechanisms.

From the amino acid L-arginine by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS)
From inorganic nitrates in green leafy vegetables, fruits, cereals and cured meat

Nitric oxide synthase has 3 isoforms:

Neuronal NOS – nNOS or NOS I
Endothelial NOS – eNOS or NOS III
Inducible NOS – iNOS or NOS II

Neuronal NOS and endothelial NOS are constitutive enzymes. Their levels are relatively steady in the human body. They are found in endothelial cells, neurons, skeletal muscles, epithelial cells and many other tissues.

Inducible NOS is inducible and stimulated by specific cytokines. Most cells in the human body synthesize iNOS in response to inflammatory conditions.

How does the skin produce nitric oxide?

As all 3 isoforms of NOS are present either in the epidermal cells, dermal cells or both, skin can produce nitric oxide by an enzyme dependent mechanism.

Human skin is capable of releasing nitric oxide in an enzyme independent manner. This is due to photolysis of nitric oxide stores by UVA.

Nitric oxide is also produced by reduction of sweat nitrate by skin commensal bacteria, in particular Staphylococci.

How is nitric oxide stored in the human body?

Nitric oxide does not usually exist as nitric oxide in the body due to its unstable nature but reacts with other molecules to form more stable products.

In the blood, nitric oxide has a very short half-life and rapidly oxidizes to nitrite. It is then further oxidized with oxyhaemoglobin to produce nitrate. Nitric oxide also reacts directly with oxyhaemoglobin to give rise to methhaemoglobin and nitrate.
Reactions with cysteine residues in proteins lead to formation of nitrosylated products. Because of its high affinity to sulfhydryl groups (thiols), S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) are the most common nitrosylated product in plasma.

Nitrate is the main storage form of nitric oxide. It is very stable when compared with other storage forms like nitrites and RSNOs, but these are important carriers and donor molecules of nitric oxide.

How can you test for nitric acid?

There are no tests for nitric acid, as it is too unstable. Instead, nitrates, nitrites and nitrosylated compounds may be measured using the following tests.

Griess assay
Saville assay
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy
Chemiluminescence method

Nitric oxide deficiency

Deficiency of nitric oxide is suspected to have a role in several disorders.

Essential hypertension (high blood pressure)
Congenital abnormalities, including achalasia cardia, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, and Hirschsprung disease
Chronic kidney disease

In the skin, insufficient nitric oxide may result in psoriasis by promoting cell proliferation and reducing differentiation of skin cells.

Reduced eNOS levels in the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels in the skin is believed to contribute to systemic sclerosis and morphoea (localised scleroderma).

Excessive nitric oxide

Consuming food rich in nitrates and nitrites increases the level of nitric acid and its storage form. Just as deficiency of nitric oxide can lead to disease, too much can also cause disease.

Nitric oxide is released from the cerebral vasculature, brain tissue and nerve endings.

It may cause headache in migraine.
It may damage brain cells leading to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Nitric oxide produced by β cells in the pancreas may damage the cells (apoptosis) causing type 1 diabetes.

In the skin, ultraviolet irradiation may lead to excessive nitric oxide production by enzyme dependent and independent mechanisms.

HEALING POWER OF ONION

The Almighty Onion…is she more powerful than we previously thought? This is an interesting topic that I discovered online several times in various forms, all relating to the theory that if you put an onion in the room of a person who is sick, the onion will ‘absorb’ the illness, and sometimes in just a few hours, the person is better. It seemed unbelievable, but I thought to myself, “Remember that one Jennifer, and if you ever need it, you have nothing to lose by giving the onion theory a try.”

Cut an onion in half to absorb bad smells & even ‘pull’ viruses/sickness from the air

A few points to note on Onion Healing:

This is not a new idea. Onions were used by certain individuals in Europe to successfully fight off the plague in the early 1900’s. Ayurvedic medicine has been using an onion poultice for the chest or feet to cure coughs, fevers and flus for centuries. They also use the onion poultice to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. Homeopathic doctors also use the healing power of onions to heal from viruses and illness. I even know people in the North American Hutterite community, a pacifist community similar to the Amish whose traditions date back to the 16th century, who tell me it is common practice to place onions in their homes during winter flu season and to use cut onions in the room of an ill person to relieve their symptoms quickly and naturally.

It is said that white onions work better than red onions. Yellow onions would be an acceptable alternative, but white onions, with the latin name Allium Cepa, work best.

The onions need to be peeled if left around the home as a preventive measure against flu and viruses. Many people do this during flu season and find that no one gets sick, whereas in previous years with no onions, they had several members of the family fall ill. If placed around the home for prevention, the onions should be replaced every 3 months.

If someone falls ill with a cough, flu, cold or fever, immediately place a peeled white onion cut in half in a bowl in their room. The onion needs to be cut in half in order to expose the most amount of ‘healing power’ from its pungent odor.

Cut onions can also be used to eliminate mold smells in a closet, drawer or room.

It’s best not to leave a cut onion open in the fridge (to eat later) because as soon as an onion is cut, it will start to absorb bacteria, etc. So, if you cut an onion for a salad, either use the whole thing or put the other half in your garage or basement to absorb bad smells! Once the onion is in a salad in a sealed container, it is safe and can be eaten at a later time.

Perhaps the most interesting onion remedy is the Sock Onion. This is a ‘modern-day’ version of the Ayurvedic poultice, and involves cutting the white onion in half and placing one half on the bottom of each foot so that the cut onion is against the skin. Place a sock on top of the onion so it stays secure in place and leave the ‘Onion Sock’ on overnight. This is especially good for flus and fevers. One of my twitter followers recently shared her success with the Sock Onion:

Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their strong odor. Sulfur is a powerful detox element and helps the body to release toxins, especially for the liver. Foods naturally high in sulfur also help the body to detox from heavy metals like lead, arsenic and cadmium.

The onion is the richest dietary source of quercitin, a powerful antioxidant flavonoid that has been shown to thin the blood, lower cholesterol, ward off blood clots, and fight asthma, chronic bronchitis, hay fever, diabetes, atherosclerosis and infections and is even linked to inhibiting certain types of cancer.

Onions are also naturally anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral. That, of course, is when you eat them!

Turmeric

The use of turmeric dates back to nearly 4,000 years ago to the Vedic culture in India. Back then it was used primarily as a cooking spice, with some religious significance. Today, it has migrated across the globe for a range of applications, both culinary and medicinal. While there are some skeptics about its medicinal efficacy, there are thousands of peer-reviewed studies to date highlighting turmeric’s versatility in whole-body healing.

Turmeric can improve digestion, control unwanted facial hair, remove dandruff, enhance memory, fade stretch marks and much, much more. Is there anything it can’t do? Maybe, but this beloved Indian spice continues to surge in popularity year after year as the world discovers its numerous health benefits. Google searches for turmeric have increased 300 percent in the last five years, along with other superfoods like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar. So go ahead — jump on the bandwagon.

A healthy lifestyle with turmeric may help prevent disease and overmedication.

Let’s think about the modern medical system for a moment, and how it differs from alternative health. Consider this scenario: you’re tired, stressed and you’re eating out all the time. You come down with a nasty infection and head straight to the doctor. They prescribe you antibiotics. Over the course of a week, your meds wipe out the bacteria in your gut, both good and bad. You’re cured of the first infection, but get walloped with a second infection while you’re immune system is down, paving the way for more medications with more side effects. On and on until you’re 100 percent better… a month later.

That’s our modern medical system — a reactionary approach.

Now, consider this: All year round you eat organic, whole foods and stay away from junk food. You meditate, you hydrate, you exercise, you get eight hours of sleep a night. You lead a low-stress lifestyle, you supplement your diet with plenty of probiotics and you sprinkle turmeric on many of your recipes. When everyone around you gets an infection, you might get sick. However, because you’ve strengthened your immune system through the seasons, chances are your body will be able to fight off the infection on its own.

That’s alternative health — a proactive approach.

In the first scenario, you’ve caused your body unnecessary damage, which takes time and resources to fix. In the second case, you’ve relied on your body’s own faculties to take care of the problem before it strikes. That’s where turmeric fits in. It can be used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle to give your body the support it deserves. Here are ten ways that turmeric can improve your health:

1. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties

This sunny spice belongs at the top of our list for its inflammation-fighting powers. Chronic inflammation caused by a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle causes dangerous diseases over the long haul, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and more. Adding turmeric to your diet is a simple way to add a kick of flavor to your dishes while allowing your body to do what it does best: keep you healthy. Turns out, the active compound in turmeric — curcumin — is on par with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, without all the harmful side effects.

2. It’s an antidepressant

Yes, a simple spice may really be able to improve your mood. In one study, researchers tested stressed-out lab rats displaying depression-like symptoms along with adrenal issues, caused by a prolonged elevation in stress hormones. Surprisingly, they found that curcumin helped to alleviate negative physiological effects. “These results provide compelling evidence that the behavioral effects of curcumin in chronically stressed animals, and by extension humans, may be related to their modulating effects on the HPA axis and neurotrophin factor expressions,” wrote the authors. That’s fancy talk for curcumin’s powerful impact on the brain.

3. It kills cancer cells

Over the years, researchers have examined curcumin’s role in treating various forms of cancer. Several studies have found that curcumin can significantly inhibit the development and movement of cancer cells through the body. It does this by reducing the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, called angiogenesis. Curcumin may also contribute to the cancer cell death directly, though more research is needed in this area.

4. It reduces pain

The curcumin in turmeric can help to relieve pain.

Chronic pain is one of the biggest problems in our country, sending many towards over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. The problem is, they are more dangerous than you might think. For example, acetaminophen, sold under the name Tylenol, is associated with 50 percent of acute liver failure in the states. “Tylenol is responsible for more than 56,000 emergency room visits, 2,600 hospitalizations and an estimated 458 deaths due to acute liver failure each year,” says a study published in Hepatology. Curcumin, on the other hand, may alleviate pain naturally, according to researchers.

5. It increases cognitive capacity

Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important neurologic growth hormone. Several studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric can increase levels of BDNF in the human brain, perhaps causing neurological disorders to delay or even reverse. Additionally, scientists now suspect that curcumin may improve memory and increase cognitive capacity, something we could all use a little more of.

6. It fights heart disease

Endothelial dysfunction is a common cause of heart disease. It occurs when the endothelium (the lining on your blood vessels) can no longer regulate blood pressure and clotting. Fortunately, researchers have found that curcumin can help your endothelium by raising nitric oxide availability and reducing oxidative stress, similar to exercise. Improved endothelial function means you have a lower risk of heart disease. Thanks, turmeric!

7. It reduces symptoms of arthritis

In one study, researchers evaluated three groups of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. They gave one group 500 milligrams of curcumin, another group diclofenac sodium (50 milligrams), and a third group with the combination of the two. They found that the curcumin group had the highest reduction in tenderness and swelling of the joints. “These scores were significantly better than the patients in the diclofenac sodium group. More importantly, curcumin treatment was found to be safe and did not relate with any adverse events,” wrote the study authors.

8. It can alleviate PMS symptoms

Turmeric may be able to alleviate PMS symptoms.

A study published in Neuropeptides found that curcumin contains properties that can alleviate PMS symptoms. The researchers conducted a trial on 70 young women. Half of the participants took curcumin for three menstrual cycles, while the other half took a placebo. At the end of the study, researchers discovered that PMS symptoms were “significantly reduced” for the curcumin group.

9. It can help irritable bowel disease (IBD)

Researchers have found that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties may prove beneficial for the GI tract, perhaps by blocking inflammatory cytokines. In one study, researchers gave patients 360 milligrams of curcumin three or four times a day over the course of three months. At the end of the study, they found that curcumin significantly reduced clinical relapse in patients with IBD. Though the research so far looks promising, more studies are needed to confirm the link.

10. It can treat skin issues

Turmeric may be able to provide therapeutic benefits for your skin health. In one meta-analysis, researchers reviewed eight studies on the topical application of turmeric and its effects on the skin. The skin conditions included acne, alopecia, atopic dermatitis, facial photoaging, oral lichen planus, pruritus, psoriasis, radiodermatitis and vitiligo. Researchers noted “statistically significant improvement” in dermatological issues for the curcumin treatment group in comparison to the control group.

Benefits of sattu

Sattu is traditional Indian Fast food, It is consumed as energy drink, which helps keep our body fit & fine.
It energizes & refreshes whereas other fast food causes damage to out body. Sattu is beneficial across all age groups.For children

Children beyond the age of 7-8 years should consume 2 tsp. of Sattu daily. Regular consumption by children helps provide sufficient nutrition to their growing needs.
Sattu is a wholesome diet for growing children.

For ladies

Special requirement of ladies can be met by Sattu as it replenishes lost nutrition.
Regular consumption of Sattu is very helpful for keeping them perfectly in shape.

For youth

Young generation is very concerned for their academics, health and smartness.
To meet their challenges they need a balanced wholesome diet. So as to provide continuous energy.
Sattu a natural food is also a balanced diet. It keeps them fit and fresh and maintains glow on the skin.

For middle age group

Medium age group people have to fulfill their social, family and professional responsibilities.
Regular Consumption of natural food Sattu helps them being energetic and improves stamina.

For old age group

Regular Consumption of sattu by senior age group is again beneficial.
Senior citizens are advised to consume the required quantity of Sattu in regard to their personal digestive abilities.

Other benefits of sattu

Sattu is helpful in diabetic conditions. Regular consumption is advised in the form of energy drink or in Roti formation along with Barley (Jow) Atta.
Low blood pressure people can benefit by drinking Sattu mixed with water,Salt, Cummin powder & Lemon.
Most of the stomach disorders are generated by improper digestive system. Sattu keeps stomach cool and clean. Sattu helps fight constipation.
Improper feeding habits and consumption of junk food has enhanced the problem of acidity. Regular consumption of Sattu is very helpful in keeping us fit and fine from the problem of gas and acidity.
For those involved in heavy work or those who have to be seated for long hours, Sattu keeps refreshed whole day.
Regular consumption of Sattu protects from heat wave during hot season.

Sattu, being a balanced diet, benefit all people. Regular consumption keeps us healthy always

Sattu, the Healthy Flour You Should Add to Your Diet

One of the most indigenous protein sources of India, sattu is no stranger to the locals of Bihar, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, UP, and West Bengal. Usually served as a sharbat by street vendors at the peak of summer, sattu, typically made of roasted Bengal gram, has a near-instant cooling effect on the body. And when made into balls, to be eaten with curry, it becomes a powerhouse of energy. The ‘poor man’s protein’ as it is often referred to is not only tasty, but packed with a lot of health benefits as well. The old school method of making sattu would involve drying roasting Bengal gram in sand (as peanuts are on the roads), using a sieve to strain the sand, and then pounding the roasted gram to a powder.

Some people even use a mix of chickpea and Bengal gram to make sattu, and that adds an interesting twist to the flavour. In Punjab, sattu is usually made with barley. In fact, the drink made with this flour can easily be the equivalent of a lemon barley drink.

At home, an iron wok to roast the gram is enough, and you don’t really need sand for it. But then again with sattu available commercially, one no longer has the need to make the flour at home. You can even buy sattu combined with wheat, barley or sorghum (jowar) from the supermarket.

The Health Benefits

Apart from providing the body with energy, what makes sattu quite a unique ingredient is that its prepping process (dry roasting) keeps the nutritional values in place, and it can also be stored for longer. It’s high on insoluble fiber, which makes it good for your intestines, and is low on glycemic index, making it safe, and in fact beneficial for diabetics. Plus it has good proportions of iron, manganese, and magnesium, and is low on sodium too.

So whether you’re watching your weight or suffering from digestion problems, a glass of sattu sharbat, or even rotis made from sattu will go a long way in keeping you healthy. And did you know that sattusharbat is also a brilliant way to detoxify the system of greasy food? It also contributes generously to the growth of muscle mass, and it’s advised that children are given about two teaspoons of sattu every day.

How to Use Sattu

One of the easiest uses of sattu is to make a sharbat. In Bihar and Jharkhand, the famous litti is made with sattu. Plus you can make parathas, upma, or even porridge with it.

To make the sharbat, which can either be sweet or salted, you will need some powdered jaggery, lemon juice and chilled water. Mix the jaggery powder and the sattu together, and then blend the two together with some water till it forms a smooth paste. Add more chilled water to it and stir well. Some like to strain the drink to prevent the grainy texture of the sattu (it eventually settles at the bottom) from getting into the mouth. Squeeze a bit of lemon into it and your drink is ready.

To make it salted, omit the jaggery and use some black or rock salt in it. If you’re using plain salt, a pinch of chaat masala might help to enhance the flavour. The lemon juice adds to the taste. You can even add chopped mint leaves or coriander, and one chopped chilli (for that extra bite) to the drink to spike it. It’s exceptionally good for beating the heat, in case you didn’t know it already.
The traditional dish from Bihar, the litti is also an evening snack. Typically served with chokha (potato, brinjal, and tomatoes), the stuffing that goes inside the wheat casing has sattu mixed with green chillies, roasted cumin seeds, finely chopped ginger and garlic, amchoor (dried mango powder), chopped coriander, lemon juice, and carom seeds, which are bound with mustard oil and water. This mix is then made into a dough, stuffed into the casing, and fried.

For those who enjoy parathas with their breakfast, this stuffed version is quite popular in UP and Bihar. While the paratha is the usual wheat version, the stuffing is made with sattu flour, finely chopped onions, green chillies, garlic (if you like it), chopped coriander leaves, chopped ginger, kalonji, panch phoron, lemon juice, salt and mustard oil. If you use little oil to fry the parathas, it’s not just delicious but healthy too.
If you’re not watching calories, sattu ke laddoos can be a tasty snack too, and it’s one of the easiest ones to make. All you need is some honey, ghee, and sattu. Mix the ingredients together and shape them into balls, and it’s ready.