Ghee is highly clarified butter. It is said to be a healthier alternative to butter, and much like butter, it is typically made with cow’s milk. Most consumers have overlooked the many benefits of ghee for decades. Here are the various ways in which ghee can help you reach those new year resolutions of better health and happiness.
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How is Ghee Made?
The traditional method to make ghee starts with milk. Milk is allowed to turn into curd. Buttermilk is then obtained from this curd. This buttermilk is painstakingly churned to make butter. In many households, however, the cream is skimmed off the top layer of milk and churned to produce butter.
Butter is heated for a long duration of time. This results in the separation of butter into milk solids and liquid fat. This prolonged heating also results in a dark coloration and nutty flavor.
Since the milk solids get separated, ghee is usually safe for consumption for people with a dairy intolerance. So, a person with sensitivity or intolerance to casein or lactose can use ghee as a substitute for butter.
Benefits of Ghee For Everyone
Ghee For Health:
- Ghee is less harmful compared to other oils since it does not breakdown to give harmful free radicals which cause tissue and cell damage.
- Ghee contains vitamin E which is a very powerful anti-oxidant.
- Ghee is known to have anti-viral properties. It also contributes to the better functioning of the digestive system. It contains a large amount of butyrate which helps soothe inflammation. It also heals and repairs the stomach lining.
- Ghee is a natural product. Hence, it does not contain any preservatives, additives or trans fats. It also has low moisture content resulting in a longer shelf life without refrigeration.
- Ghee is believed to be good for heart health. It is rich in Omega-3 which promotes a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
- Ghee also contains fat-soluble vitamins which aid in weight loss. Cutting out fats completely from one’s diet does not promote sustainable weight loss. Fat is one of the macro-nutrients required for the proper functioning of the body. Consuming ghee in regulated amounts helps pull out fat-soluble toxins from cells. It also promotes fat metabolism.
- Lukewarm ghee is used to clear a clogged nostril. A few drops of lukewarm ghee can be poured into a clogged nostril early in the morning for almost immediate relief.
- Ghee also regulates thyroid function due to the presence of iodine in it.
Ghee For Skin:
- Ghee acts as a moisturizing agent for the skin. It gives you soft and supple skin. It hydrates the skin cells and consumption of ghee brings a glow to your face.
- To lighten dark circles, ghee can be applied on the eyelids and under the eye every night before going to bed. Over time, this helps you get rid of dark circles.
- Massaging a drop of ghee on your lips and leaving it on overnight helps to keep your lips soft and light.
- Applying warm ghee all over your body before a bath helps to keep the body soft and smooth.
- Using some ghee in your face pack can help revive dull skin making it bright and full of life.
Ghee For Hair:
- Dull, dry and damaged hair can be revived with ghee. Use ghee to nourish the scalp and the hair follicles. This will also improve hair texture resulting in smoother, shinier hair.
- Massage warm ghee into your hair and scalp and leave it overnight. The massage improves blood circulation in your scalp giving you thicker and longer hair. Leaving the ghee in your hair works as a deep conditioner.
Ghee For Kids:
- Ghee is a natural powerhouse. It contains large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These are essential for various functions of the body, including brain and immune system functioning. Ghee also aids the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the consumed food.
- Ghee provides energy and warmth. Ghee laden foods are commonly prepared in winters since they are believed to warm you from within. Ghee also proves to be a really good source of energy. This would be particularly beneficial to young, growing kids and even nursing mothers.
- Ghee contains vitamin K, which helps in bone development.
- Ghee aids digestion improves immunity and eyesight.
- Ghee contains DHA which helps in brain development and improves memory.
- Ghee is high in calories. This helps babies recently weaned from breast milk gain weight.
- Dry cough in children can be treated with ghee infused with peppercorns. Ghee is sauteed with 3-4 crushed peppercorns and then sieved to make the best home remedy for cough. Even infants can be treated with this concoction.
Ghee FAQ:
Is ghee good or bad?
There are numerous benefits to the consumption and use of ghee. However, anything good must be consumed in moderation. Ghee does contain saturated fats so consumption should be regulated.
How much ghee can you consume in a day?
Consuming 1-2 teaspoons of ghee in a day will help you yield the maximum benefits.
What is the difference between ghee and butter?
Butter is coagulated milk solids and fats. Ghee is highly clarified butter wherein the milk solids get removed and you are left with pure liquid fat.
What are the differences between cow ghee and buffalo ghee?
Cow ghee has fewer calories compared to buffalo ghee. It is also rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and calcium. Buffalo ghee has a higher fat content. This makes it easier to be preserved for a longer time. Buffalo ghee is also rich in minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.
How much fat does ghee contain?
15g of ghee contains about 135 calories and 15g of fat. Out of this 5g of fat, ghee consists of 9g of saturated fat and the remaining are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
How much milk do you need to produce 1kg of ghee?
To produce 1kg of ghee you would require about 30-40 liters of milk.
What is organic ghee?
Ghee made from milk produced by purebred indigenous cows, like Gir or Red Sindhi, is usually termed as organic ghee. In addition to being purebred, these cows also need to be fed with grass grown without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. Also, the ghee must be processed in the traditional four-step method to be considered organic.
How much protein does ghee have?
Ghee does not contain any proteins, carbohydrates or sugars.