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Ghee Benefits: Unveiling The Golden Goodness For Your Well-Being

Key Highlights:

  1. Ghee, a type of clarified butter, has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine due to its potent health benefits.
  2. It’s high in beneficial nutrients, including healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
  3. Regular consumption of ghee may offer several health benefits, which include improved digestion, reduced inflammation, enhanced heart health, and boosted immunity.
  4. Incorporating ghee into your diet is simple – it can be used in cooking, baking, or even consumed on its own.
  5. While ghee offers several health benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Introduction

The genius of ghee, also known as clarified butter, has stood tall through the ages. Isn’t it a staple in both South Asian meals and age-old healing arts? This healthful offshoot of butter comes with many meaty health gains. Wondering what makes ghee so unlike typical butter?

Every food carries secrets that manipulate how our bodies work. Don’t you think? It seems ghee is no different. Sometimes exalted, sometimes merely a cooking add-on, ghee holds within it a wealth of rare nutritional gems. Let’s uncover its composition, craft, and health benefits which could add more wellness to your life!

Ghee: What It Is and How It’s Made

Ghee is not just the goldish glow and nutty taste. How about revealing more about its true nature and birth from butter?

Understanding Ghee

Ghee is one sort of clarified butter. How so? Butter gets heat-treated. Water and milk bits are thrown out. Only the butterfat – the golden part – stays back. Ghee gets its pretty amber glow, deep scent, and smoke point higher than butter from being clarified.

The Process of Making Ghee

Ghee-making is an art form. It has roots in Indian customs going back many thousand years. Butter gets simmered gently till the water vanishes. Milk bits settle down and go tanning, giving ghee its known nutty taste. Straining out these bits ends the process, yielding crystal-clear ghee!

Based on what I have learned, ghee is considered a nutritionally reliable option compared to other oils and fats. This is because it contains medium chain fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the liver and quickly used as a source of energy. In simpler terms, these fatty acids bypass some of the usual digestion processes and provide a readily available energy source for the body.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Did you know?

Nutritional Profile of Ghee

Ghee earns respect not just for its taste and diverse culinary use but also for its nutritional profile.

1. Calories and Nutrients

Let’s get into the calories and nutrients in ghee. Don’t they shape how our bodies work?

From a carb point, ghee has little. It’s pretty much all fats, with dwarf traces of carbs.

Ghee’s rich in different fats, mainly saturated fats. Once dunked by health buffs, these fats now earn claps for things like making hormones.

2. Protein

Just like carbs, proteins are a tiny bit of ghee. Why? Clarification weeds out most milk-based proteins.

3. Vitamins and Minerals

Ghee’s got plenty of vitamins A, E, and D. Aren’t these helpful for your eyes, skin, and bones?

From what I have observed, individuals who are lactose or casein intolerant may not experience difficulties with ghee. This is because ghee is clarified butter, where the milk solids and impurities have been removed during the clarification process. As a result, most of the lactose and casein, which can cause intolerance symptoms, are eliminated, making ghee a potentially suitable option for those with lactose or casein intolerance.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Health Benefits of Ghee

Ghee’s health perks go beyond nutrition.

1. Role in Soothing and Healing Skin

Slather ghee on the skin, it soothes burns and cuts. Thanks to its high antioxidants! Moisturizes dry skin, faster healing when applied often.

2. Limits Exposure to Acrylamide

Heat ghee and it turns out fewer acrylamides (health risks). Fewer than other vegetable oils.

3. Influence on Serum Lipid Levels and Lipid Peroxidation

Can ghee help nail healthier fat levels in spite of popular thought? Maybe. Moderate ghee consumption might just bring down triglycerides and cholesterol.

4. Benefits for Those With Allergies

Ghee has no lactose or casein. Those often stir allergies in those with dairy sensitivity. So, ghee might make a safer butter sub for them. Sounds smart, isn’t it?

Based on what I have read, cow ghee may be beneficial for eye health. It is believed to provide nourishment to the eyes and support overall well-being. It is thought that the nutrients present in cow ghee, such as vitamin A and antioxidants, may contribute to maintaining good eye health.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Culinary Uses of Ghee

Ghee’s not just a bagful of wellness; it offers a flavour punch too!

Varieties of Ghee

Regular ghee comes from cow’s milk. Other types come from buffalo milk, or veggies even. A different source, different taste!

How to Prepare Ghee at Home

Home-making ghee needs a few tools, it’s quite simple. Slowly simmer unsalted butter. Skim out the top milk bits. Strain to get your ghee!

Possible Adverse Effects

Ghee’s glowing benefits aside, look before you leap into using it way too much.

Understanding Potential Negative Impacts

Even with all the good stuff, ghee’s got high saturated fats. Consume a lot, it invites weight gain and even worsens heart issues.

Storage and Food Safety Tips for Ghee

Proper storage ensures ghee stays fresh for longer.

When It’s Best to Use Ghee

Ghee does fine at room temperature. Doesn’t even need cold storage.

How to Store Ghee Properly

Store ghee like any oil, in a sealed container. Keep it cool and dark to stop it from turning bad.

Conclusion

Ghee, this versatile fat for cooking, plays a major role in not just boosting food taste but also augmenting our health. The impressive vitamin content, lack of allergy-inducing components, reduced formation of toxins during cooking, plus potential heart benefits render it a delightful addition to our diets.

Undeniably, ghee makes an intriguing dietary addition indeed. Yet remember, moderation is key. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider before making sizeable dietary changes, particularly if you’re running on medication or struggling with health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it good to eat ghee daily?

Your doctor may suggest you include ghee in your daily diet due to its vital nutrients. However, due to its high-calorie content, it should be consumed in moderation.

Is ghee healthier than olive oil?

Both ghee and olive oil come with unique nutrient profiles and health benefits. While ghee scores high on fat-soluble vitamins, olive oil’s rich in unsaturated fats. Your healthcare provider can help decide which suits you best.

Is ghee healthier than butter?

Ghee’s free of lactose and casein, common allergens. For those allergic or sensitive to butter, ghee could be a better choice. Also, it can handle high-heat cooking well.

Is a spoonful of ghee good for you?

A spoonful of ghee can up your intake of key nutrients. But, always consult your healthcare provider or a dietitian as needs vary based on health status, body habits, and lifestyle.

References:

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Acrylamide formation in vegetable oils and animal fats during heat treatment [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27374529
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Vitamin A [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482362
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Docosahexaenoic acid content is significantly higher in ghrita prepared by traditional Ayurvedic method – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061595
  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular Diseases: A consensus statement from the Experts’ Committee Of National Society Of Cardiometabolic Medicine – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9791266
  5. PubMed. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28900017
  6. PubMed. Circulating Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein is a Strong Risk Factor for the Early Stage of Coronary Heart Disease [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30414358
  7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Cholesterol oxides in Indian ghee: possible cause of unexplained high risk of atherosclerosis in Indian immigrant populations [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2887943
  8. American Heart Association. Saturated Fat [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats
  9. American Heart Association. The Skinny on Fats [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/the-skinny-on-fats
  10. American Cancer Society. Acrylamide and Cancer Risk [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/acrylamide.html
  11. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The effect of ghee (clarified butter) on serum lipid levels and microsomal lipid peroxidation – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215354

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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15 Amazing Health Benefits Of Ghee

No other food element has got as much bad press as ghee. With research conducted over the years, it has come to light that instead of harming the body, ghee is right for you. It turns out our grandmothers were right in cooking food in ghee and adding it to our bowls of steaming dals and rice. In the scriptures, it has been equated to gold. Considering its amazing benefits, our ancestors knew the real value of ghee!

Nutritional value of Ghee:

Did You Know?

Here are 15 amazing benefits of ghee are:

1. Has Healthy Fats

Research proves that ghee is low in fat. It has healthy fats which make it add good cholesterol to the body. Ghee does not cause heart diseases like other forms of fat.

2. Helps Digestive System

Ghee consumption is strongly related to a healthy gut. In the olden times, our ancestors used to have a spoonful of ghee before every meal. It lined the gut and reduced chances of ulcers and cancer.

3. Strengthens Immune System

Ghee is rich in Butyric Acid, which helps the body in producing T cells that fight diseases. Also, read 7 habits to boost immunity

4. Source of Essential Vitamins

Ghee is a dependable source of critical oil-soluble vitamins A and E that are needed for a healthy liver, balanced hormones, and fertility.

5. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-cancer

Ghee has butyric acid, which is an anti-cancer constituent. The antioxidants present in it make it anti-inflammatory.

6. Boon for Lactose Intolerant

Ghee is lactose-free. It doesn’t cause allergies in those who suffer from dairy or casein intolerance.

7. Treats Burns

Ghee is one of the safest dermatological cosmetics. It is skin-friendly and helps treat burns.

8. Healthy Skin

Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and a natural emollient, ghee helps you with maintaining healthy skin by locking in moisture, improving skin repair, treating cracks and softening the skin. This is also one of the popular traditional benefits of ghee. 

9. Thicker Skin

Due to the presence of vitamin E and the fact that it can improve hair thickness, ghee is great for applying to the hair and scalp. The health benefits of ghee mean that it can also ease a dry, itchy scalp due to its moisturising properties.

10. Strengthens Bones

Ghee is rich in Vitamin K, which helps in calcium absorption. It helps in the prevention of tooth decay and prevents atherosclerosis. Also, read the best foods for healthy bones

11. Cures Thyroid Dysfunction

Since the usage of ghee results in balancing the hormones, it is instrumental in thyroid dysfunction.

12. Weight Loss

Ghee revs up the body’s metabolism making it an ideal medium for weight loss. Consumption of ghee makes it burn the other fats in the body and thus causes weight loss.

13. A High Smoke Point

Ghee does not break into free radicals at a high temperature. Free radicals are responsible for cancer, amongst other diseases. This makes it an ideal medium and a stable fat to cook and fry food in.

14. Treats Menstrual Problems

Ghee tends to balance the hormones in the body. This makes it an ideal contender if you are looking to relieve yourself of menstrual issues like PMS and irregular periods.

15. An Appetizer

Ghee consumption increases appetite in kids and adults alike. This is another reason to add it to your child’s food.

16. Enhances Taste

Ghee elevates the taste of any dish that it is added to – a bowl of dal becomes tastier after adding ghee.

17. Positive Food

Ghee attracts toxic elements in the body and helps in cleansing the body of harmful stuff. It is one of the most sattvic foods.

Regular consumption of ghee leads to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels.

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Let me tell you a secret! Ghee may enhance your memory. Yes, you read it right! According to the study, desi ghee is a good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 9) that may aid memory.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Ghee Benefits: Unveiling The Golden Goodness For Your Well-Being

How to make ghee at home?

Ghee is an excellent source of fatty acids, such as linolenic and arachidonic acid, as well as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K that may help maintain optimal health. I read an article that suggests the regular intake of ghee may aid in maintaining good vision as a result of its richness in antioxidants.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Also Read: Brahmi Grita: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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8 Best Benefits & Uses Of Ghee For Health

Are you a follower of the zero fat diet and still confused about the incomplete feeling of wellbeing that you get from your diet? Then you should learn to say yes to good fat rather than say no to all types of fats.

Yes! You read that right. Not all fats are harmful to your body; in fact, your body requires some amount of good fat for smooth functioning and well being as important as you need proteins and carbohydrates. Talking of good fat, one amazing source that is readily available and used in our kitchens since antiquity is Ghee. The Health benefits of ghee were well understood by our ancestors and fantastically utilised by Ayurveda as an Elixir of health.

Why eat Ghee?

Ghee, also known as clarified butter is an amazing nutritional ingredient that can be added to enhance the flavour of your food and at the same time offers several health benefits. It boosts up your immunity, maintains brain and heart health, lubricates your joints, adds a glow to your skin and comes with many more benefits. Ghee contains essential fatty acids like Omega 3 fatty acid, Butyric acid, fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, K and vitamin B12 which make it a wonderful ingredient in the kitchen.

Based on my experience, I have observed that ghee, a traditional dairy product, may possess wound healing properties. It has been found to potentially contribute to wound contraction, enhance skin strength, and promote the production of collagen, which is essential for tissue regeneration and skin elasticity. Incorporating ghee in topical applications or wound care routines may aid in the healing process and support the recovery of wounds.

Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS

Uses of Ghee for good health:

  1. Beneficial for Nervous system- Ghee is a health booster, excellent for mind and spirit. It helps in maintaining the function of the brain and nervous system.
  2. Good for Eyes- Being a source of vitamin A and essential fatty acids, Ghee helps in improving your eyesight and prevents certain diseases of the eyes.
  3. Rich in Antioxidants– Antioxidants are crucial for health and well-being; reduce signs of ageing and fight free radical injury.
  4. Lubricates your joints- Maintains healthy functioning of bones and joints, prevents age-related joint disorders
  5. Anti-inflammatory quality- Significantly reduces signs of inflammation. This property is readily utilized in Ayurveda where ghee is used as a medicinal product.
  6. Good for the gut- Ghee offers therapeutic benefits to your gut lining and also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It is helpful in people with stomach ulcers, leaky gut, etc.
  7. Adds lustre to your skin and hair- Ghee is the key ingredient responsible for flawless glowing skin and lustrous hair of those who have learned about the hidden marvels of this super ingredient.
  8. Suitable for people with lactose intolerance- Although ghee is prepared from milk, the majority of milk proteins have been removed from it hence it is well tolerated by the lactose intolerant group.

Did you know that ghee, has been used for various purposes since the Vedic era? It has not only been used for cooking but also for religious rites, cosmetic applications, and even medicinal purposes. Its significance and versatility have made it an integral part of Indian culture and traditions for thousands of years.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Also Read: Ghee Benefits: Unveiling The Golden Goodness For Your Well-Being

How much is too much?

Do not overload yourself with ghee because the excess of anything is bad! Daily intake of more than the recommended amount of Ghee can lead to the accumulation of unwanted fats that are unhealthy for your body. Consuming 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of ghee is good for the healthy functioning of your body. Also, if you suffer from cholesterol derangement or heart diseases; consult your doctor or dietician regarding the amount of ghee suitable for your health.

In my experience, I have observed that cow ghee is highly digestible, with a digestion rate of approximately 96%. This makes it an excellent choice compared to other vegetable or animal fats. The digestive system efficiently breaks down cow ghee, allowing for better absorption of its nutrients and promoting overall digestive health.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Less known facts about Ghee

Ayurveda not only uses Ghee for numerous medicinal preparations, but it has also entitled ghee as an important Sattvic food that enhances positivity and expansion of consciousness.

Ghee has a high smoke point and good shelf life due to its low moisture content. It can be prepared easily at home or can be purchased from the market.

Utilised in many households for home remedies to cure cough, skin wounds, dry skin, gut problems, etc.

Say yes to ghee!

When all you know about fats is their role in adding inches to your waist, you need to learn them better and choose your fats smartly. Healthy fats play an important role in managing your mood, stay on top of your mental game, fight fatigue and even control your weight. It is a flavoursome ingredient perfect to be consumed by all age groups. Adding an adequate amount of ghee to your daily diet can keep you healthier and happier.

Read more about 10 Best Types Of Teas to Relieve Your Cough And Cold

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