Desi Ghee Facts And Truth

Ghee is one of miracle super food, available in Indian kitchen since ages. Not only our mothers and grandmothers tell us the story about Benefits of Ghee to makes us eat the same; but also our Ayurveda Shashtra also recommends the same for leading a healthy life:

Ghee improves and increases memory, vital force, energy, beauty, Kapha and fat. It destroys Vata, Pitta, fever and other toxic substances in human body.—CHARRAK SAMHITA

Homemade desi ghee is made by boiling and simmering unsalted butter until the solid non-fat component of milk separates from the saturated fat. The specialist says that the form of saturated fat is better than store-bought butter, which is high in salt and preservatives, as well as refined vegetable oil or dalda, which contains harmful trans fats.

There are many myths and facts about Ghee, we see in the general believes of people around us.  Ghee is the only animal fat which has a definition of Satvic in our Shastras. That is why it is used in consuming orally, external use for massage, skin & hair care, religious activities and Ayurvedic medicines as well.

Desi Ghee is easier to digest. The MCTS (medium chain triglycerides) present in it, is utilized quickly as energy, they are not stored as fat unless you over consume the extra calories. Moderation is key to health.  It is rich in both Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Fatty acids present in ghee, act as antiviral and protect from tumors and cancers if consumed in moderate amount. Ghee improves immunity because it contains butyric acid, which boosts immunity by fighting with free radicals. It Increases the appetite because ghee stimulates gastric acid which results in better digestion.

Ghee has a very high smoke point and does not burn easily during cooking. Ghee has more stable saturated bonds and so is a lot less likely to form the dangerous free radicals when cooking. Ghee’s short chain fatty acids are also metabolized very easily by the body. So now aren’t you confused? Is desi ghee good or bad you ask with a puzzled look? Be patient, just a bit more.

Lab studies have shown ghee to reduce cholesterol both in the intestine and serum. It does it by triggering an increased secretion of biliary lipids (stuff coming out of your bile). Desi ghee is also good for nerves, brain and it helps control eye pressure and is beneficial to glaucoma patients. I bet you didn’t know these, did you?

Desi ghee is most notably said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion, while other fats, such as butter and oils, slow down the digestive process and can sit heavy in the stomach. You don’t want that really.

In addition to ghee’s nutritional value, it is rich with antioxidants and acts as an help in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, feeding all layers of body tissue and serving to strengthen the immune system.

It is also good for cure of burns and blisters; a little kitchen remedy there for y’all. According to Ayurveda desi ghee promotes learning and increased memory retention. Make sure you remember that. And it will help you remember if you had some ghee!

Read our blog: Health Benefits of Jaggery and Desi Ghee

So should you eat Desi Ghee or not?

If you’re healthy, ABSOLUTELY. Desi ghee is safer than butter and has more nutritional use than oil. A high concentration of butyric acid, a fatty acid that contains anti-viral properties, is believed to stop the growth of cancerous tumors.

Although tests and research are still ongoing, it has been used in Indian medicinal practice to help with constipation, ulcers, and the promotion of healthy eyes and skin. An Indian folk-remedy for thousands of years, desi ghee is also said to promote learning and increased memory retention. It is used in Indian beauty creams to help soften skin, and as a topical for the treatment of burns, blisters, and injury.

Read our blog – Why The Pure Desi Cow Milk Ghee Is Costlier Than Normal Ghee?

Ghee is clarified butter, but not too many of us have much ‘clarity’ on the health benefits of ghee. As Indians, we are programmed to like ghee, in much the same way as many of us are taught that milk is a complete food! Well, one of these two ‘facts’ will be verified today. If you remember, I had once said that when in doubt, look to what your grandmother considered ‘food’, and Indian food doesn’t get more ancient than ghee. In fact in some folktales and teachings from the Vedas actually, extol the excellence of this traditional Indian staple. The sad part is that, as ‘modern’, ‘sophisticated people, we only believe something is good for us, when we read about it in a Western medical article, or watch it on the news. Well here’s the good news, even the West accepts that desi ghee is actually pretty awesome. So here are a few facts about desi ghee that will actually leave you shocked.

Ghee is quick to be absorbed and utilized.

The MCTS (medium chain triglycerides) present in ghee are utilized very quickly by your body as energy and are only stored as ‘fat’ or in reserve if you over consume in terms of calorific value.

Ghee is great for those with lactose intolerance

While most may argue that ghee is a milk product, it is made by simmering off the dairy component of milk. What remains is a delicious mix of fat-soluble vitamins and MCT which are great for you. In fact, people who cannot normally consume butter, for fear of the gas apocalypse it would cause, can, in fact, stomach ghee… and live to tell of its deliciousness.

Read our blog: Which oil is best for newborn baby massage for fair skin

Ghee is rich in Omega 3

If you have ever watched a cooking oil commercially, you know that heart health is vital and Omega 3 is a key component of it. Well, unlike most cooking oils and veggies, ghee is a rich source of Omega 3. So this type of fat or triglyceride actually reduces bad cholesterol and gives your heart a vital boost.

Ghee for improved immunity

Ghee contains butyric acid, a medium chain fatty acid (triglyceride) that is responsible for a number of important functions in the body.  Most importantly it is responsible for the maintenance of gut health, and the functioning of the digestive tract. Butyric acid is also responsible for the creation and functioning of T-cells which are like the Marines of the body. T-cells are the first line of defense against most bacterial, viral and other infections.

Ghee for stronger bones

Vitamin K2 is one of the most important determinants of bone density and strength. It helps absorb calcium and other trace minerals which are the he building blocks of bones. Ghee is an ample source of this wonder vitamin and so is important for stronger bones.

Rich in fat-soluble vitamins

Ghee is rich in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, K & vitamin E. Notice how desi cow ghee is deep yellow in color. The benefits of fat-soluble vitamins are:

• Vitamin A helps in cellular growth and healthy teeth as well as improving bone health.
• Vitamin D improves calcium absorption & helps to prevent body inflammation.
• Vitamin E enhances wound healing processes & also helps the immune system.
• Vitamin K helps in regulating blood-clotting activities.

Aid Hair Growth

Ghee is quite beneficial to increase hair growth. The reason is that it is very beneficial in treating split ends that often occur when people do not nourish their hair enough. While chemical treatments with products available on the market can dry out the hair and cause split ends, using a homemade treatment with desi ghee is ideal for treating split ends. You just have to warm the desi ghee slightly then apply it to the hair ends, wait for 1 hour and finally shampoo and condition it again.

Ghee is one of the main components in many Ayurvedic medicines. It’s  ability to reach the deepest regions of the human body makes it ideal and effective in treating many diseases. It is well-known for its ability to cancel the harmful effects of toxins in the body as well.

Ghee has a property called Ayusham in Ayurveda, which is believed to prolong the lifespan of an individual. Ghee also aids in cellular repair and regeneration.

Interesting facts about Ghee:

• Is Used for lighting lamps during religious festivals due to its pure state.
• Can be used to relieve cracked lips, cuticles, and more.
• In some Indian cultures, it is customary to give a newborn a tiny taste of dates mixed with a little Ghee.
• Ghee is used to soothe skin burn and rashes.
• Can relieve constipation in some cases.
• Can be used as a moisturizer to get soft and supple skin. 
• Cow ghee is much healthier than any other type of ghee. It is fewer in calories than buffalo ghee.

Consumption of Desi cow ghee can be harmful to overall health ?

Ghee which is considered to be a healthier alternative as a portion of pure desi ghee contains monounsaturated fatty acids which leads to a good and a healthy sort of dietary fat and doesn’t affect the body. Consuming ghee before every meal can decrease the risk of infections and cancer. Ghee is a rich source of oil-soluble vitamins A and E essential for fertility, a healthy liver, and prevents hormone imbalance. 

Intake of Desi cow ghee can result in a heart attack ?

According to research ghee can support in decreasing the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation as ghee is high in oleic acid, which assists in lowering LDL and improving heart health. A high level of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL can strike your risk of heart disease and stroke. Hence, it is suggested to consume 2 to 3 spoons of desi ghee daily. Rather over consumption can result in clogging arteries.

Cooking food with desi cow ghee affect the health adversely ?

Ghee proves to be a safest medium for cooking as it does not create free radicals and has a high smoke point when compared to many other types of oils. Such properties makes it an excellent oil to utilize when cooking as it is less prone to oxidation and destruction of vitamins and nutrients.

Adding Desi cow ghee in meals can lead to weight gain ?

Research shows that ghee can support weight loss when consumed in moderate or prescribed amounts. As claims suggest that desi ghee includes CLA(Conjugated Linoleic Acid), which helps in organizing fat cells to be burnt for energy, leading to reduction in fat mass and promoting lean body mass and enhanced immune function.