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

Key Highlights:

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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Little Known Benefits Of Eating A Spoonful Of Ghee Daily!

A clarified form of butter, Ghee has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. Whether it is flavoured or plain, ghee is used widely in Indian cooking. The reason ghee is widely used is because of the health benefits it has.  

Did you Know?

The Benefits You Can Enjoy From Eating a Spoonful of Ghee Daily –

1. Nutritional Powerhouse

Ghee is loaded with essential fat-soluble vitamins D, K, E and A. These nutrients are vital for a range of body functions, from a good immune system to brain functioning. Moreover, ghee helps your body to absorb fat-soluble minerals and vitamins from other foods.

2. Good For Your Heart

While ghee contains a high concentration of fats, it is rich in Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to promote cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that people who consumed a spoonful of ghee daily had reduced serum cholesterol levels and a lower incidence of coronary artery disease.

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3. Reduces Inflammation

Based on my experiences, when you apply a combination of ghee and honey to the wounds might exhibit synergic effects and might promote healing.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Are you constantly battling inflammation in your body? Ghee contains a fatty acid known as butyrate, which enhances the body’s immune system response. It is also enriched with anti-viral properties, which contribute to a healthy digestive system by healing the stomach lining. Eating ghee daily can prove beneficial for people with intestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease.

4. Good for Your Skin and Hair

Is your skin too dry? Ghee can help! The essential fatty acids found in ghee serve as a nourishing agent and are very beneficial for individuals with dry, dull skin. Eating ghee daily may help moisturize your skin and make it appear supple and soft. The best part is that it is suitable for all skin types.  

Daily consumption of ghee is also great for your hair – it makes your scalp less dry and promotes the growth of lustrous, thick hair.

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5. Has Cancer-fighting Properties

Ghee contains CLA or conjugated linoleic acid – a substance that may help to fight cancer-causing agents as well as cardiovascular disorders.  

6. Boosts Energy

Do your energy levels drop during the day? One tablespoon of this ‘desi’ ingredient contains 112 calories. Ghee contains medium-chain fatty acids that are absorbed by the body and converted into energy. Read more about energy giving foods that help you stay active.  

7. Keeps you Warm From Within

Wondering how to keep yourself warm this winter? A daily dose of ghee will do the trick! Ayurveda claims that eating ghee improves the immune system and keeps your body warm from within. It also helps to prevent cough and cold.

8. May Support Weight Loss

Ghee is a good source of linoleic acid which has been shown to help reduce obesity. Linoleic acid is involved in a reduction of weight gain as well as a decrease in body fat. This can be useful for people actively trying to lose weight but should be accompanied by a healthy diet and exercise.  

Based on my observations, combining curcumin with ghee, followed by some yoga exercises, might improve joint conditions. Further, it might aid in reducing joint inflammation and pain and improve immunity.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

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

Potential Downsides:

While it can be beneficial for weight and heart health when consumed in healthy amounts, too much ghee on a regular basis can contribute to an increased risk for heart disease and weight gain. Be careful and use moderation when you incorporate ghee into your regular diet. Enjoy the benefits of ghee by adding it to a healthy diet rather than expecting only ghee to cure all your health issues.  

Eating ghee daily benefits your health in more ways than one. So don’t delay, consume a tablespoon of ghee right away to boost your health.

Read More: 15 Health Benefits of Ghee

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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