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15 Amazing Health Benefits of Ghee
Introduction
No other food element has received as much negative press as ghee. However, research1 conducted over the years has revealed that, rather than harming the body, ghee is actually beneficial.
It turns out our grandmothers were right to cook ghee with steaming bowls of dal and rice. In ancient scriptures, ghee is even equated with gold. Given its impressive benefits, our ancestors truly understood the value of ghee!
Nutritional Value of Ghee
- Ghee is a calorie-dense food. 100 ml of ghee provides as much as 110 calories of energy.
- It consists almost entirely of fat, with negligible amounts of protein, carbohydrates, sugar, or fibre. 100 ml of ghee contains almost 99.5% of fat. Most of the fat present in ghee is saturated fat. It also contains cholesterol1.
- Ghee made from the milk of grass-fed cows is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K. and also butyric acid.
15 Amazing Benefits of Ghee
1. Contains Healthy Fats
Research suggests11 that ghee is low in harmful fats. It contains healthy fats that help increase good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Unlike other fats, ghee does not contribute to heart disease1.
2. Supports Digestive Health
Ghee is closely linked to a healthy gut. Traditionally, a spoonful of ghee was consumed before meals to line the digestive tract and reduce the risk of ulcers and even cancer1.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
Ghee is rich in butyric acid, which helps the body in producing T-cells that fight diseases1.
4. Source of Essential Vitamins
Ghee is a reliable source of fat-soluble vitamins A and E, which support liver function, hormonal balance, and fertility2.
5. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties
Butyric acid in ghee is known for its anti-cancer properties. Its antioxidants also give it anti-inflammatory benefits3.
6. Safe for the Lactose Intolerant
Ghee is lactose-free. It doesn’t cause allergies in those who have dairy or casein intolerance4.
7. Helps with Burns
Ghee is one of the safest dermatological cosmetics. It is skin friendly and helps treat burns1.
8. Promotes Healthy Skin
Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and a natural emollient, ghee helps maintain 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 ghee1,5.
9. Strengthens Bones
Ghee is rich in vitamin K, which helps in calcium absorption. It helps in the prevention of tooth decay and atherosclerosis6.
10. Supports Thyroid Function
Since the usage of ghee results in balancing the hormones, it is instrumental in managing thyroid disorders7.
11. Helps with Weight Loss
Ghee boosts metabolism, making it an ideal medium for weight loss1. It helps the body burn other stored fats more effectively.
12. High Smoke Point
Ghee remains stable and does not break into free radicals at a high temperature. Free radicals may contribute to cancer, amongst other diseases. This makes it an ideal medium and a stable fat to cook and fry food in1.
13. Eases Menstrual Discomfort
Ghee supports hormonal balance in the body, which can help alleviate menstrual issues such as PMS and irregular periods8.
14. Enhances Flavour
Ghee significantly enhances the taste of any dish that it is added to, for example, a bowl of dal becomes tastier with a spoonful of ghee.
15. Cleanses the Body
Ghee is considered a sattvic (pure) food in Ayurveda5. It attracts toxins and helps cleanse the body, contributing to reduced stress and anxiety when consumed1.
Ghee may enhance your memory. According to a study1, desi ghee is a good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 9) which may help with memory.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
How to Make Ghee at Home?
Delicious and healthy ghee can be prepared using full fat or heavy cream. You can either buy it from the store or collect the thick cream that settles on top of the milk.
Ghee, once misunderstood, is now recognised for its potential wellness benefits when used in moderation. Rich in essential fats and vitamins, it can be a nourishing addition to a balanced diet. Traditional practices and modern insights alike support its role in promoting overall health and well-being.
- Take 2 cups of heavy cream and mix in 1 tablespoon of curd. Leave this mixture outside at room temperature for 7 to 8 hours to allow it to ferment.
- Once fermented. refrigerate the cream for 5 to 6 hours to solidify it slightly.
- Add cold water to the chilled cream and blend in the food processor or mixer until the butter separates from the buttermilk. You can use the leftover buttermilk for cooking or baking.
- Collect the butter and rinse it thoroughly (2 to 3 times) with cold water and set it aside for heating
- Transfer the butter to a heavy-bottomed pan and begin heating it. Stir occasionally as the butter melts and starts to boil. The liquid will gradually evaporate, and milk solids will settle at the bottom.
- Once the remaining liquid turns golden yellow, turn off the heat. Allow it to cool slightly, then strain the ghee through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove any milk solids.
- Store the ghee in a clean, dry closed container9.
Ghee is an excellent source of fatty acids, (such as linolenic and arachidonic acid) as well as 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 help in maintaining good vision as a result of its rich antioxidant content10.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Conclusion
Ghee, once misunderstood, is now recognised for its potential wellness benefits when used in moderation. Rich in essential fats and vitamins, it can be a nourishing addition to a balanced diet. Traditional practices and modern insights alike support its role in promoting overall health and well-being.
Also Read: Mustard Oil: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses & Side Effects
References
- Kataria D, Singh G. Health benefits of ghee: Review of Ayurveda and modern science perspectives. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2024 Jan-Feb;15(1):100819. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100819. Epub 2024 Jan 5. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10789628/
- Ahmad N, Saleem M. Studying heating effects on desi ghee obtained from buffalo milk using fluorescence spectroscopy. PLoS One. 2018 May 11;13(5):e0197340. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5947909/
- Rani R, Kansal VK. Effects of cow ghee (clarified butter oil) & soybean oil on carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes in rats. Indian J Med Res. 2012 Sep;136(3):460-5. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3510893/
- Portnoi PA, MacDonald A. The lactose and galactose content of milk fats and suitability for galactosaemia. Mol Genet Metab Rep. 2015 Oct 22;5:42-43. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5471386/
- Wawre MB, Khobragade D, Mundhada D. An Emerging Approach for Optimization of Cow Ghee as an Ointment Base in Combination With Selected Conventional Bases. Cureus. 2023 Mar 22;15(3):e36556. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10122110/
- Falahatzadeh M, Najafi K, Bashti K. From tradition to science: Possible mechanisms of ghee in supporting bone and joint health. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. 2024 Dec;175:106902. doi: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2024.106902. Epub 2024 Sep 21. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1098882324000960?via%3Dihub
- Jawa A, Jawad A, Riaz SH, Assir MZ, Chaudhary AW, Zakria M, Akram J. Turmeric use is associated with reduced goitrogenesis: Thyroid disorder prevalence in Pakistan (THYPAK) study. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015 May-Jun;19(3):347-50. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4366771/
- El-Gharrawy HT, Sadek KM, Mahmoud SF, Abd Elrehim AM, Shukry M, Ghamry HI, Ibrahim SF, Fericean L, Abdo M, Zeweil MM. Natural Ghee Enhances the Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Reproductive Performance of Female Rabbits. Life (Basel). 2022 Dec 27;13(1):80. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9861198/
- Lamsal B, Bhandari TR, Panta P, Saiter JM, Pokhrel S, Katuwal TB, Adhikari R. Preparation and physicochemical characterization of ghee and mūrcchita ghŗ̥ta. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2020 Jul-Sep;11(3):256-260. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7528008/
- Kumar A, Tripathi S, Hans N, Pattnaik F, Naik SN. Ghee: Its Properties, Importance and Health Benefits. Lipid Universe. 2018;6:1–7. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339499398_Ghee_Its_Properties_Importance_and_Health_Benefits
- Sharma H, Zhang X, Dwivedi C. The effect of ghee (clarified butter) on serum lipid levels and microsomal lipid peroxidation. Ayu. 2010 Apr;31(2):134–140. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.72361. PMID: 22131700; PMCID: PMC3215354. 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.
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