15 Amazing Health Benefits of Ghee
Introduction
No other food element has received as much negative press as ghee. However, research1 conducted over the years has revealed that, rather than harming the body, ghee is actually beneficial.
It turns out our grandmothers were right to cook ghee with steaming bowls of dal and rice. In ancient scriptures, ghee is even equated with gold. Given its impressive benefits, our ancestors truly understood the value of ghee!
Nutritional Value of Ghee
- Ghee is a calorie-dense food. 100 ml of ghee provides as much as 110 calories of energy.
- It consists almost entirely of fat, with negligible amounts of protein, carbohydrates, sugar, or fibre. 100 ml of ghee contains almost 99.5% of fat. Most of the fat present in ghee is saturated fat. It also contains cholesterol1.
- Ghee made from the milk of grass-fed cows is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K. and also butyric acid.
15 Amazing Benefits of Ghee
1. Contains Healthy Fats
Research suggests11 that ghee is low in harmful fats. It contains healthy fats that help increase good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Unlike other fats, ghee does not contribute to heart disease1.
2. Supports Digestive Health
Ghee is closely linked to a healthy gut. Traditionally, a spoonful of ghee was consumed before meals to line the digestive tract and reduce the risk of ulcers and even cancer1.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
Ghee is rich in butyric acid, which helps the body in producing T-cells that fight diseases1.
4. Source of Essential Vitamins
Ghee is a reliable source of fat-soluble vitamins A and E, which support liver function, hormonal balance, and fertility2.
5. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties
Butyric acid in ghee is known for its anti-cancer properties. Its antioxidants also give it anti-inflammatory benefits3.
6. Safe for the Lactose Intolerant
Ghee is lactose-free. It doesn’t cause allergies in those who have dairy or casein intolerance4.
7. Helps with Burns
Ghee is one of the safest dermatological cosmetics. It is skin friendly and helps treat burns1.
8. Promotes Healthy Skin
Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and a natural emollient, ghee helps maintain healthy skin by locking in moisture, improving skin repair, treating cracks and softening the skin. This is also one of the popular traditional benefits of ghee1,5.
9. Strengthens Bones
Ghee is rich in vitamin K, which helps in calcium absorption. It helps in the prevention of tooth decay and atherosclerosis6.
10. Supports Thyroid Function
Since the usage of ghee results in balancing the hormones, it is instrumental in managing thyroid disorders7.
11. Helps with Weight Loss
Ghee boosts metabolism, making it an ideal medium for weight loss1. It helps the body burn other stored fats more effectively.
12. High Smoke Point
Ghee remains stable and does not break into free radicals at a high temperature. Free radicals may contribute to cancer, amongst other diseases. This makes it an ideal medium and a stable fat to cook and fry food in1.
13. Eases Menstrual Discomfort
Ghee supports hormonal balance in the body, which can help alleviate menstrual issues such as PMS and irregular periods8.
14. Enhances Flavour
Ghee significantly enhances the taste of any dish that it is added to, for example, a bowl of dal becomes tastier with a spoonful of ghee.
15. Cleanses the Body
Ghee is considered a sattvic (pure) food in Ayurveda5. It attracts toxins and helps cleanse the body, contributing to reduced stress and anxiety when consumed1.