Ghee is a hard fat created from heated butter manufactured from cow or buffalo milk, according to the dictionary definition.
Most Indians are first introduced to Ghee while sitting on our mother’s lap, and it is one of the first foods we are given as toddlers. The most well-known Yellow Lentil in our cuisine is frequently tossed with a spoonful of Ghee to provide quick vitality, essential development, and tremendous power.
Ghee is regarded sacred and possesses a heavenly purity since it has been used in Indian cookery from ancient times, and its origins may be traced back to Hindu mythology. Ghee is considered auspicious because of its clean nature, and it is used to purify Hindu rites by burning them in the form of a pyre, pouring ghee over them, and reciting mantras.
Source of Good Fat
Ghee is high in fat, but it also contains a lot of monounsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to your heart and circulatory system.
Cow Ghee or Buffalo Ghee
Ghee has a long shelf life and may be stored and refrigerated. Both cow and buffalo ghee are extremely nutritious and beneficial to our mental and physical health. Cow ghee is heavy in saturated fat and a good source of vitamin A2 as well as other vitamins and minerals, whereas Buffalo ghee is high in fat and calories.
Ayurveda’s Take
According to Ayurveda research, Ghee has the power to heal a variety of diseases due to its high nutritional content, and as a result, it is classified as a therapeutic food. Ghee is said to help the human body maintain and improve its physical and mental vigor. Ghee has been used in Ayurveda medicine as a cooling meal to help decrease body temperature, as a digestive aid, and even as a burn salve since ancient times.
Ghee was assumed to block arteries as well as be lethal, even though Trans-fats were attempted at varying degrees but failed and nothing could replace it.
Ghee versus Oil
Ghee has been supplanted by different oils in many Indian kitchens, yet it is still believed to be healthier than oils.
Ghee, when made in its purest form, contains a plethora of beneficial and therapeutic characteristics, is a storehouse of critical vitamins and minerals, and is high in saturated fat, making it a superfood.
Oil, on the other hand, is a type of processed food; it is refined vegetable oil that has been created using significant chemicals, which causes it to lose important nutrients and has a negative influence on the functioning of a healthy human body, damaging the gut health in a variety of ways.
Ghee’s Potential Health Advantages
The decade-old superfood is an Indian gem with several hidden advantages such as being high in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
One must take it regularly on a reasonable level by incorporating it into your cooking practices and using it wisely since meals cooked with Ghee can assist the body to absorb some critical vitamins and minerals.
Obesity Reduction
Since health is now recognized as one of the most important components in living a long life, the return of ghee has been more significant in recent years, as it has resurfaced to have entered the Indian kitchen by becoming trendier in its style and grandeur, resulting in happiness for everyone.
- Ghee includes fat-soluble vitamins and beneficial fatty acids, both of which may assist in weight loss.
- People who are lactose intolerant or cannot digest dairy can just consume ghee, which is lactose and casein-free.
- Being high in essential amino acids may help with fat cell shrinking and since it is abundant in omega-6 fatty acids, which help you lose weight by reducing your body fat levels.
- Ghee has also been shown to aid in the mobilization of fat cells for energy burn, resulting in the decrease of fat mass and the improvement of lean body mass.
- Regardless of its numerous health-promoting benefits, everything in excess is undesirable, therefore consume in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Ghee, due to its cold nature, aids in the treatment of burns and swelling. It also includes butyrate, a fatty acid recognized for anti-inflammatory qualities that works to calm inflammation inside the body.
Anti-Oxidant Properties
Ghee is abundant in omega fatty acids and antioxidants, which may help neutralize free radicals and nourish the skin, and frequent consumption results in moisturizing, soft skin, improved skin radiance, healing dry damaged skin, treating dry lips, and even aiding in the elimination of dark circles.
Because ghee includes vital fatty acids such as butyric, omega 3 & 6, Vitamin A, B12, D, E, and K, it supports healthy skin and hair and functions as a wonderful antioxidant and toxin flusher. It may be ingested by applying it to our food or adding it to our cooking.
It improves general health because of its high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and necessary fatty acids. Vitamin K serves as collagen, an important protein, whilst Vitamin A acts as a natural moisturizer, prevents skin drooping, and boosts the body’s immunity.
Good for Lactating Mothers
Packed with essential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, ghee fights pain and acts as a natural healer, especially for mothers, as it aids in the recovery of energy after childbirth, which is why Pinni/Laddoos and other food items are a great way to consume ghee in moderation.
Great for Intestinal Health
The major ingredient Butyric Acid, which the intestinal tract thrives on, is contained in Ghee and not only helps to retain the integrity of the gut wall lining but also improves the digestive system by regulating bowel movement and keeping unwelcome germs at bay. Butyric acid also helps to manage appetite, promotes good cholesterol, and boosts metabolism.
Natural Remedy for Constipation
Due to its rich properties, consuming half a spoon of ghee before bedtime reduces bowel movement and treats constipation; however, before beginning this therapy, see a doctor or a dietician.
Happy Heart Health and Mind
Ghee, which is high in saturated fats and includes Omega 3 fatty acids, has been discovered to be wonderful for brain and heart health and to help produce happy cells when ingested in little amounts.
Reliever for Joint Pains
Ghee is one of the medicines that may be used to ease joint pain and arthritis since it soothes inflammation, lubricates joints, and lowers joint stiffness.
Conclusion
Myths about ghee causing heart illness or weight gain are misinforming today’s youth, making their metabolisms weak, when ghee is unquestionably a power source and universal food that everyone should include in their diet because of its healthful and therapeutic features.
Cooking meals with ghee as a basis is essential, and it may also be used externally to maintain healthy inside outside. Consuming in moderation must be performed, or a nutritionist/dietician can be consulted to discover how to include it in one’s everyday life and boost overall immunity.
Stay Healthy, Stay Fit, Warm Regards,
Contributed by: Tanya S Kapoor, Dietician & Nutritionist, Wellness By Tanya
Email: wellnessbytanya@gmail.com
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