Is it right to eat Sabudana during Navratri fast? Know its benefits, disadvantages and important rules of eating fruits:

News India Live, Digital Desk: The holy festival of Chaitra Navratri 2026 is going on and today is the third day. During this time of reverence and devotion most devotees observe a fast (vrat). ‘Sabudana’ is considered to be the most popular option of fruit food during the fast. Be it Khichdi or Vada, Sabudana is the favorite of every household. But have you ever wondered how good it is to eat sago during fasting from health point of view? According to dietitians and religious beliefs, it is very important to keep some things in mind while eating sago.

Sabudana: Energy Powerhouse or Just Starch?

Sago is mainly extracted from the pulp of the stem of a tree called ‘Sago Palm’. It is a pure source of carbohydrates.

Advantages: During fasting, when the body needs immediate energy, Sabudana works best. It is easy to digest and keeps the stomach full for a long time. Potassium and calcium are also found in it, which is good for bones and muscles.

Loss: Sabudana has very low fiber content and high calories. If you are trying to lose weight or are a diabetic patient, excessive consumption of sago can increase your blood sugar level.

Right way to make Sabudana during fasting

Often people eat sago by deep frying it (like vadas or pakodas), which increases the fat content in it. Adopt these methods to stay healthy:

Combination of vegetables in Khichdi: While making Sabudana Khichdi, add peanuts, boiled potatoes and curry leaves to it. This will fulfill the deficiency of protein and fiber.

Drink more water: Sabudana absorbs water from the body, so after eating it, consume adequate amount of water or buttermilk.

Less oil-ghee: Use ghee sparingly so that there is no extra pressure on the digestive system.

Is sago a ‘grain’? religious viewpoint

According to religious beliefs, Sabudana does not fall in the category of grains because it is not a fruit or a seed, but an extract of the stem of the tree. This is the reason why it is considered a part of ‘fruit diet’. However, the process of making sago is mechanical, so some people do not consider it completely pure. To maintain purity during fasting, Sabudana should be used only after washing it thoroughly.

These people should be careful

Diabetes patients: The glycemic index of sago is very high, so do not consume it without doctor’s advice.

Constipation problem: People who have digestive problems or constipation should eat sago in limited quantities.