Ghee, or clarified butter, is a fat made from buffalo or cow milk, and is a healthy alternative to saturated fats used for cooking. An indispensable ingredient in almost every Indian household, ghee is believed to be a superfood. From our regular diet, to our beauty routines, ghee has a vital role to play. Growing up, there’s a good chance you may have heard your grandmother swear by the power of ghee, and speak of the many benefits of this humble kitchen staple. And we couldn’t agree more. Here are five health benefits of ghee that you should know about:
1. Good Fats Galore
Ghee contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid and one of the most vital fats required in the body. This helps reduce inflammation, and may boost brain and heart health. Additionally, ghee, when taken in limited amount over a period time, helps in pushing fat-soluble toxins out of your body to boost metabolism, which further helps if you are trying to lose weight.
2. Promotes Gut Health
Ghee is a source of butyric acid, a type of fatty acid that's released when the good bacteria in your gut breaks down fibre. Consuming ghee can aid the production of good bacteria, which is great for gut health. Ghee is also said to balance the amount of hydrochloric acid present in the stomach, and help control the production of bile in the liver.
3. Great Source Of Antioxidants
Ghee is known to contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, which helps the body seek out cells and repair them before they could cause any potential tissue damage in the body.
4. Relieves Constipation
A healthy bowel movement is a great way to help you feel light and start your day right. Ghee is a common antidote for when you have problems being regular. To help relieve constipation, drink one teaspoon in a glass of warm milk before bedtime. This will relieve constipation.
5. Decreases Glycemic Index
It’s not unusual to pour a generous amount of ghee over your serving of rice or chapati. Doing so is said to help reduce the glycemic index (GI or the ranking of carbohydrates) in the rotis or chapatis, further breaking down the carbohydrates to aid digestion.
Another great thing about homemade or pure ghee is that it can be easily stored outside, away from direct sunlight, and lasts for about two to three months. Make sure it is stored in an air-tight container. However, if you do have certain medical conditions or health complications, it’s advisable you seek help from a medical professional before consuming ghee for the benefit of your health.