Ghee, or clarified butter, is one of the most treasured natural foods adored in Ayurveda for centuries. It has extraordinary healing powers. It has been used for thousands of years in Indian and Pakistani traditions. The term comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “sprinkled.” Ghee has received worldwide acclaim for its exceptional health benefits. Ghee, which some refer to as “liquid gold,” is a nutritious powerhouse and a highly recommended Indian staple dish.
It is a cooking essential that we can’t get enough of, from our Dal, Khichdi, Halwas, and Chapatti. In fact, replacing ghee with fattening refined oils is one of modern cooking’s worst blunders, since ghee contains fat-soluble vitamins that assist in weight loss. Ghee is also important for hormone balance and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Ghee also has a high melting point, which prevents it from creating free radicals, which are harmful to cell function.
Besides cooking, ghee is utilized in Ayurvedic medicine in conjunction with herbal treatment, which is known as “Ghrita.” Aside from its purported spiritual and medicinal properties, ghee has lately gained popularity as a healthier alternative to regular butter.
It is made from buffalo or cow’s milk. Pure Desi ghee is prepared from cow’s milk. It is created from cow milk butter that has been cooked at a low temperature until the water has evaporated, leaving behind milk solids and turning golden to dark brown. If needed, the solids are skimmed or filtered. Ghee is nothing more than clarified liquid fat. Ghee contains more nutrients than ordinary clarified butter since it is processed with low heat—generally under 100 degrees. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin A. Ghee also has a desired place in beauty and hair care regimens aside from our kitchens.
Ghee’s Nutritional Value
A teaspoon of ghee comprises the following ingredients.
- Calories: 42
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Ghee is an excellent source of:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin K
Ghee is high in healthy fats, as well as vitamins A, E, and D. Although many of us believe that the high-fat content of ghee is harmful to our health, if you are unaware, fat is one of the primary nutrients that our bodies need to operate effectively. Ghee is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that are needed for brain and heart health. It also gives the body a lot of energy. So, overall, ghee is highly nutritious and beneficial. Let us now look at its health benefits.
Health Benefits of Ghee
The advantages of consuming ghee daily are many. And, to benefit from its great nutritional content, this wonder ingredient must be included in daily meals. Here are a few of ghee’s many health benefits:
Ghee is Sattvic
Ghee draws toxic materials from the body and aids in the removal of hazardous substances. It is considered to be one of the most Sattvic foods. Ghee Reduces Tension and Anxiety When Consumed Daily.
It is Beneficial to Digestive Health
Ghee is one of the highest quality dietary sources of butyric acid, making it an excellent choice for supporting the health of the intestinal walls. Butyric acid is the preferred source of energy for colon cells.
Spread It on Your Rotis to Lower Your Glycemic Index
Ghee is commonly spread over Chappatis and Parathas in India. It is stated that putting ghee over chapattis may lower the glycemic index of the chapatti while also making it more moist and digestible. Nutritionists suggest eating chapatis with a little ghee on top.
According to a recent study, 4 tablespoons of oil is an appropriate quantity of saturated fats for each meal. Thus, 1% of the saturated fats might be sourced from sources such as ghee. Using ghee improves the digestion of the chapatti.
Reduces Gut Inflammation
Butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid found in ghee, has been associated with decreased levels of inflammation and better digestive health in human and animal studies.
It Has Plenty of Conjugated Linoleic Acid
According to some studies, conjugated linoleic acid may be useful for illnesses such as cancer, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Ghee Increases Vitamin A Consumption
Ghee may help you get more vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is vital for eye health, skin health, immune function, and other things.
Ghee Cures Cough
Cough is common in the winter, and an efficient treatment is required to cure it promptly. Ghee has been used for many years to cure coughs since it is quite effective. All you need to do is consume a spoonful of heated ghee straight or combine it with ginger powder.
Ghee Helps Eyesight
Ghee, according to Ayurveda, may enhance your vision and protect your eyes from a variety of eye ailments. So, if you consume more ghee, you would have better eyesight.
Ghee Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
According to research, consuming ghee contains anti-inflammatory effects that may aid in the treatment of a variety of ailments. Ghee also can raise healthy cholesterol levels in the body, which is beneficial to heart health.
Ghee Strengthens the Immune System
Ghee is high in antioxidants, which help the immune system by improving the body’s capacity to absorb important nutrients. When your body absorbs nutrients efficiently, your chances of being ill are reduced.
Assists You in Staying Warm from Within
Ghee is an essential component of Indian winters. Ghee, according to Ayurveda, helps you stay warm from the inside, which is why it is often used in many winter recipes such as Gajar Ka Halwa, Mung Dal Halwa, Pinni, and Panjeeri.
Ghee is an essential element in Ladoos and Halwas because it keeps you warm.
Beneficial for Clogged Nose
A cold and a congested nose are not a great combo. You have trouble breathing, your taste sense is impaired, and don’t forget the headache and tiredness that follows. Ayurveda offers an intriguing nasal drop cure that may help relieve a stuffy nose. The Nyasa therapy for colds, as Ayurvedic physicians describe it, entails pouring a few drops of warm pure cow ghee into the nostrils first thing in the morning. As the ghee penetrates all the way down to the throat and calms the illness, this method may bring immediate relief. Just one thing to ensure is that the ghee is pure and has been warmed to a moderate temperature.
It is a Powerful Energy Source
Ghee is an excellent source of energy. It includes medium and short-chain fatty acids, the most effective of which is lauric acid, which is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Nursing women are often fed ghee-laden ladoos since they are high in energy. Pinni is another Punjabi delicacy that is popular across North India, not just for its flavor but also for its energy-boosting effects.
Prevents Constipation
Do you have problems with your bowel movements? Ghee might come to your aid. Milk and ghee are a moderate and efficient cure for constipation. Taking 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of ghee in a cup of hot milk before bed is an efficient yet gentle way of alleviating constipation.
Excellent for the Skin
Ghee has been used in many beauty rituals since time immemorial. Its essential fatty acids work as a nourishing agent that may do wonders to revitalize dull skin. Pure desi ghee is derived from cow’s milk and is claimed to be particularly effective in providing smooth and supple skin. Ghee is recognized to be good for all skin types and to include essential fatty acids that aid in the hydration of skin cells.
How to make the perfect ghee face mask for supple and glowing skin:
- In a bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of ghee, 2 tablespoons of besan or haldi, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Make sure the consistency is firm but not dry. If the mixture is excessively watery, add more besan or haldi.
- Apply the paste to your face after thoroughly mixing it. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. For optimal results, repeat this three times each week.
Lactose Intolerant People Will Appreciate It
Ghee has no lactose. It does not induce allergies in those who are allergic to dairy or casein.
Ghee Treats Burns
Ghee is one of the most non-toxic dermatological cosmetics. It is gentle on the skin and aids in the treatment of burns.
Ghee is a Good Fat Source
We’ve all heard that one of the most prevalent weight loss suggestions is to avoid fat. You may have even explored the idea of removing all fat sources from your diet to lose weight. However, doing so may do you more damage than good. Fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are three macronutrients that are required to live a healthy life. Removing any food category from your diet is never a long-term weight-loss strategy. What you need to do is to make better choices. Avoid unhealthy fats found in fries, burgers, and processed junk, and instead opt for healthier alternatives like ghee, avocados, and so on. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that ghee is one of the most favored carriers for oleation—the process of consuming oil over time. This actually aids in the removal of fat-soluble toxins from cells and initiates fat metabolism, a process in which the body burns its own fat for fuel.
Ghee Strengthens Bones
Ghee contains Vitamin K, which aids in calcium absorption. It aids in the prevention of tooth decay as well as the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Resolves Thyroid Dysfunction
Because ghee helps to balance hormones, it is beneficial for thyroid disorders.
Ghee’s Smoke Point is High
At high temperatures, ghee does not degrade into free radicals. Cancer, among other disorders, is caused by free radicals. This makes it an excellent medium and a stable fat for cooking and frying meals.\
Ghee is Heart-Healthy
Ghee, like other fats, has been linked to increased cholesterol levels. However, contrary to common assumption, ghee is a far safer bet to invest in for heart health than refined oil. The fats in ghee are not related to heart disease in the same way as long-chain fatty acids are, since they are used immediately as energy by the body and are not stored as fats. Ghee has been showed in studies to help decrease bad cholesterol while enhancing good cholesterol.
Ghee may be ingested in modest amounts regularly as a source of saturated fats. Children can afford to consume a greater amount daily.
Menstrual Problems can be Treated via Ghee
Ghee has the ability to regulate the body’s hormones. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to get rid of menstruation problems like PMS and irregular cycles.
Ghee can be Used as an Appetizer
Ghee eating enhances appetite in both children and adults. This is just another incentive to include it in your child’s diet.
It Improves Taste
Ghee improves the flavor of any meal to which it is added—a bowl of dal becomes more flavorful after adding ghee.
How to Make Ghee?
Ghee might be costly to purchase, but it is easy to make at home by following a few simple steps. It may be made with either full fat or heavy cream. You may purchase it in supermarkets or gather the thick cream that rests on top of the milk.
Time to Prepare: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes approx.
Ingredients:
- 250g butter (or gathered cream)
- A frying pan
- The strainer
- Cheesecloths
Instructions:
- Cut the butter into equal-sized chunks.
- Put them in the saucepan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.Bring the pan to a simmer and let the butter decrease for no more than 15 minutes.
- During this time, keep an eye out for foaming.
- Turn off the heat when the contents of the pan foam for the second time.
- Allow for a 3-minute rest.
- Strain the contents through a cheesecloth-lined wire mesh strainer.
- The golden yellow liquid you get is ghee. Store this in a closed container for as long as you like.
Now that you know the nutritional values, health benefits, and how to prepare ghee yourself at home, you will surely want to add it to your diet! So do it, and don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family. Eat well and stay fit!
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