Originated in India, now ghee is commonly known in dozens of countries,
primarily in Asia, certain parts of Africa, and throughout the
Indian subcontinent.
Ghee has a rather unique and flavourful taste and aroma that
is different from butter, but it can be used in almost all of the same ways.
Butter can be very dangerous for people due to the high concentration of fat, and ghee is no exception; in fact, ghee
is pure fat, so only a small amount is to be consumed, otherwise, it can
have negative effects on your health. If eaten in moderation, ghee can provide
your body with higher concentrations of other essential nutrients
that aren’t available in butter.
Nutritional
Value of Ghee:
Ghee may be composed primarily of fats, but it also
contains significant levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D.Although many people think of fat as
an unhealthy element to the diet, the body needs fat to function. Omega-3s
(monounsaturated fats) are healthy forms of fat that can be found in ghee,
in addition to other fatty acids like conjugated linoleic acid and
butyric acid, both of which have positive health benefits in the body.
Health
Benefits of Ghee:
Let’s take a closer look at this ancient butter substitute to
see what it really contributes to human health.
Digestion: Ghee is rich in butyric acid, a short chain fatty acid that
nourishes the cells of the intestines. Beneficial intestinal bacteria convert
fiber into butyric acid and then use that for energy and intestinal wall
support. Butyric acid is “a monounsaturated fatty acid which reduces
inflammatory conditions and seepage of undigested food particles, and aids in
repair of the mucosal wall.” A healthy body therefore makes its own form of ‘ghee’
but one can aid that greatly by consuming it.
High Smoke Point: The temperature at which the oil/butter
begins to burn and smoke is called the High Smoke Point. Most cooking oils with
high smoke point are not good for health as they are chemically moderated to
achieve that point. Ghee on the other hand, naturally has a high smoking point
and is beneficial for health also.
Boosts Energy:The wide range of fats
that compose ghee includes medium-chain fatty acids, which are very
useful for the body and can be processed by the liver and burnt as energy, not
passing into the adipose tissue or contributing to weight gain.For athletes or
other people with active, high-energy lifestyles, ghee can provide the
necessary burst of energy that you might need to get through a challenging day.
Reduces Allergy: Since ghee is dairy-free (having had all of the dairy residue simmered off), lactose intolerant individuals or those who cannot consume butter are free to enjoy the flavourful treat of “butter” in the form of ghee without worrying about the gastrointestinal problems that normally follow.
Heart Health: Although most people associate butter with fat and a decline in heart health, the rich variety of fats in
ghee can provide a healthy boost to the heart. Omega-3 fatty acids
can help decrease your levels of unhealthy cholesterol and provide an
energetic balance to your fat intake.
Reduces Inflammation: Ghee possesses butyric acid, which is one of the most beneficial
short-chain fatty acids that the body needs. Butyric acid has been shown, in
recent research, to actually decrease inflammation in parts of the body,
particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, and is now
a recommended dietary addition for some people with ulcerative colitis. Furthermore,
ghee enemas have long been used in traditional medicine for treating
inflammation of all kinds.
Eye Care: The significant levels of vitamin A
in ghee make it ideal for protecting eye health. Carotenoids are antioxidants that
specialize in eliminating and neutralizing the free radicals that attack
the macular cells, thereby preventing macular degeneration and the development
of cataracts.
Boosts Immune System: Butyric acid, perhaps the most important element in ghee, has also been
linked to the stimulation of T-cell production, which are the
heavy-hitting cells of the immune system. In other words, ghee can supercharge your immune system in
addition to all of its other health benefits.
Moisturiser for Tissues of the Body: Due to its oily and moisturising nature, ghee is able to moisturise and lubricate the body
internally as well as externally. To avoid dry skin or chapped lips, one can
apply ghee on the dried part in the night and wake up to a wonderful skin.
Similarly, daily intake of ghee keeps the cells of the body tissues moist and
lubricated. This reduces dry skin, dry constipation, inflammation and stiff
joints while increasing luster, flexibility and promoting healthy elimination.
Word of Caution:
All of the benefits mentioned above
make ghee sound like an ideal substitute for butter; however, as mentioned a
number of times, ghee is made purely of fat, so excessive consumption
of ghee can dramatically change your fat intake and can act as a negative
dietary choice.Be careful about your intake and study the fat
content of the ghee you choose to consume. Also, speak to your medical
professional to ensure that your fitness level can handle a shift to a
higher fat diet.
“A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch. ” ― James Beard
