Ghee is magic. Everything it touches tastes buttery and delicious. You might have carried the fragrance of ghee from your childhood when your mom used to prepare it at home. However, people especially in India, prefer cooking food in ghee, and serving rotis with ghee applied on it nicely is their old tradition. Surely, you might have heard Punjabi people saying to add some desi ghee to food. Well, it is because there are several benefits of ghee, and it makes the food taste more delicious.

This article includes everything about ghee including its benefits, nutritional value, ways to use it, and which ghee is better cow ghee vs buffalo ghee. So, let’s read more about it.

What Is Ghee?

Ghee is pure butter fat that is extracted from milk. It is used in many Indian cuisines and other foods to make them healthy and delicious. However, the taste of ghee is like butter but with a slightly roasted, nutty background note. Also, ghee is much healthier than butter.
Many brands sell ghee and differ in flavors due to the quality of the milk used while making it. But it is best to make it at home. Let us know what are the health benefits of eating desi ghee and why people are so fond of eating it.

Ghee In English – Clarified Butter

Why Ghee Is Important?

• Ghee is important because certain vitamins require fat to be absorbed into the body and do their jobs, which include, for example providing energy, keeping cells functioning, and supporting the immune system.
• Vitamins are necessary, which implies that fats are also necessary.
• Dietary fat, which comes from food, is essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, K, and E (water-soluble vitamins B and C do not require fat).

Benefits Of Ghee

Many of us think that ghee makes us fat. Anything in excess can create consequences, but have you ever thought about why dietitians and doctors recommend people to add ghee to their diet? Well, if not then let us know why! Following are the essential benefits of ghee.

1. Natural And Pure

This is one of the best health benefits of eating ghee. It is 100% pure and has a low content of moisture. It has no unhealthy additives, preservatives, and trans fats and is shelf-stable. This means ghee remains fresh for up to a year without even refrigerating it. 

2. Prevents Cancer-Causing Agents

Usually, most oils break down into unstable elements known as free radicals at high temperatures. However, these excessive free radicals can result in cell damage in the body and develop cancer. Whereas ghee has a smoking point of nearly 500°F, so it retains its structural integrity under the high heat used for frying and other preparation methods.

3. Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants are very important as they help neutralize free radicals to prevent cell and tissue damage that can lead to disease. Vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidant that ghee contains. Therefore, this property is among the best benefits of ghee.

4. Gives Healthy Skin

Ghee isn’t only used for cooking or adding taste to food. But is also used by women especially in India as a topical moisturizer to relieve dry complexions. Applying ghee on the scalp also fights dryness and encourages the growth of thick, lustrous hair.

5. Contains CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid as it is made from butter derived from grass-fed cows. Moreover, according to studies, CLA helps combat cancer and cardiovascular disease. Also, it is said that there is a link between CLA and weight loss.

6. Rich In Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Among the benefits of ghee, this one is very essential. Ghee has anti-inflammatory properties like butyrate which is a fatty acid that has been linked to an immune system response that soothes inflammation. Moreover, it is used as Ayurvedic medicine to treat burns and swelling. Ghee also contains anti-viral properties and contributes to a healthy digestive system. It helps heal and repair the stomach lining. However, it is precious for people suffering from intestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease.

7. Contains Heart-Healthy Fats

Ghee is very much high in concentration of fat and has a good amount of monounsaturated Omega-3s. These are the same fatty acids that are found in salmon and promote a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. However, according to studies people who consume ghee in larger quantities tend to have a lower incidence of coronary heart disease. Also, reduced levels of serum cholesterol. 

8. Ghee Is Anti-Dairy Allergic

Ghee is quite suitable for people who have allergies to dairy products. This is because when ghee is prepared all the milk solids are removed. It, therefore, contains only trace amounts of milk sugars (lactose) and proteins (casein). 

9. A Nutritional Powerhouse

Ghee is a nutritional powerhouse as it contains plentiful amounts of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. All these nutrients are essential for bodily functions from the brain to the immune system. Additionally, ghee helps the body in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals from other foods.

10. Benefits Of Ghee For Weight Loss

Talking about the benefits of ghee, this is the best. Ghee is rich in linoleic acid, or CLA which helps combat obesity. Also, according to research, CLA found in ghee helps reduce excessive weight gain and reduce the mass of body fat in some people. Hence, ghee is good to consume for people on their weight loss journey.

How Vitamin D Helps You To Lose Weight?

Vitamin D is very important for your body as it helps regulate the calcium and phosphate in your body. Well, consuming ghee is a pleasing way to improve the absorption power of vitamin D for a healthy body. However, let us see what dietitian Mac tells us about this essential vitamin.

Nutrition Value Of Ghee (1tbsp = 14gm)

• Energy- 123 kcal
• Fat – 14gm (19% of Daily Value)
• Cholesterol- 40 mg (13% of Daily Value)
• Protein – 0 g
• Carbohydrate- 0 g
• Sugar- 0 g
• Sodium- 0 g

Cow Ghee Vs Buffalo Ghee

Ghee is of two types.

1. Cow ghee.
2. Buffalo ghee.

Let’s find out which one is better.

• Cow ghee is made by heating butter gently until it becomes a clear golden liquid. It is without water content, lactose milk solids, and is a semi-liquid form of butter. Cow ghee tastes sweet and is cold.
• Buffalo ghee for its all-purpose adaptability and nutritious contents is worldwide famous. Also, it offers unique and distinctive health benefits.

Cow ghee is superior to buffalo ghee because it contains carotene, which is beneficial to eye and brain function. It aids digestion and possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Buffalo ghee contains more fats and calories than cow ghee.

Cow Ghee Benefits

There are other cow ghee benefits also that make it preferable to other ghee. 

• Cow ghee enhances digestive stability by reviving enzyme secretion. 
• Consumption of cow ghee helps improve and maintain the stability of bones and strength. 
• Cow ghee is rich in fat-soluble vitamins that assist in the active growth of the brain and strengthens its natural functioning. 
• Moreover, it develops the tissues of the body, further, enhancing the body’s immunity against various illnesses.
• Cow ghee contains vitamin K2, which lessens the arteries’ calcium concentration, and preserves against the arteries’ calcification. Also, it reduces fatal blood cholesterol which enables the heart to perform.
• Most importantly, it is good for enhancing kids’ eyesight, remembrance power, immunity status, strong bones, and muscles. 
• Additionally, it safeguards malnutrition and fat-soluble vitamin depletion disorder and facilitates the improvement of the brain.
• If you consume cow ghee with your meal like rice or roti it reduces your GI level and prevents you from diabetes.

Ways To Use Ghee

There are many benefits of eating ghee daily. You can, therefore, use ghee in your daily routine as follows.

1. Ghee is the best substitute for oil in the majority of food. It will also, add taste and nutrition to your meal. However, it’s a much healthier alternative when fat is required in small amounts.
2. You can use ghee as Indians usually do. Pour some ghee over rotis and parathas as it will also help you lose weight. Along with a side dish, you can make the tadka for dal with ghee as it will make it more aromatic and flavourful. Also, you can pour them on sweets like halwa, sheera or burfies.
3. If you are in the mood for snacks, like pav bhaji, then make it healthy. Roast your pavs in ghee instead of butter. Surely, they will taste better.
4. You can also eat a spoonful of ghee before going to bed. As it will reduce the body heat or pitta, as it is known in Ayurveda. 
5. People fond of non-vegetarian food can also marinate chicken or fish with warm ghee along with fragrant herbs and seasonings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How Can I Consume Ghee In My Diet Or Weight Loss Journey?

Ans: 1 Tsp of Ghee can be used in tadka of a dal or can be added to the veggies. Don’t fry your Paranthas with Ghee as it may lead to Weight Gain.

Q. What Are The Benefits Of Ghee For Males?

Ans: The benefits of ghee for males include an increase in the count of sperm. Ghee, however, has an ayurvedic property that cures dysuria, rhinitis, intermittent fevers with chills, diarrhea, anorexia, and emaciation. 

Q. Is It Good To Eat Ghee Daily?

Ans: Yes, the consumption of ghee every day is not at all harmful. But you should take care of the quantity of how much are you consuming. However, ghee can be good for lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.

Q. How Much Ghee Should You Consume Per Day?

Ans: According to health experts, adding 2-3 teaspoons of Ghee to your diet daily will help you keep your heart healthy and improve your overall well-being.

Q. Is There Any Disadvantage Of Ghee?

Ans: Although, the CLA in ghee helps reduce weight. But on the other hand, it is also a calorie-dense and fat-rich food. Therefore, overconsumption can lead to an increase in weight gain and elevate the risk of obesity.

Q. How To Know If Your Ghee Is Pure?

Ans: The best way to know if your ghee is pure is to add ghee to a heated pan. If the ghee melts immediately and turns dark brownish, then it is pure. While, if it takes time to melt and turns Q. light yellow, then it is not.

Cornflakes vs Oats

Both are to be said good for weight loss, but which is the best, watch this video by Dietitian Mac to know.

Fun-Fact

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Bottom Line

Well, ghee is a staple food in every kitchen especially, in India. It is a house of nutrients and health benefits. There is, however, no harm in consuming it daily but yes, overconsumption of ghee can cause various problems, considering it has a high amount of saturated fats. Stick to taking not more than two to three teaspoons of ghee to lose weight. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and engage in exercises to lose weight and burn belly fat.

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Disclaimer

All recipes from Fitelo’s kitchen are devised to suit specific needs. And what may suit one condition may not be applicable to the other. Hence, always consult your nutritionist or dietitian before adding these recipes to your diet.