Ghee Benefits - Efficiency of “Miracle Oil”

Ghee is a type of butter made by removing proteins, water, and impurities from unsalted butter to collect only pure fat. It is a highly pure oil which contains fat only. It is made by heating and melting fermented unsalted butter made from cow, buffalo, or goat milk, and filtering it to remove impurities. It has been produced for a long time in India. Ghee is less perishable than butter, thus it can be kept at room temperature. During the heating process, water and proteins are removed from it, and since it is composed of about 99.8% fat, there is no protein denaturation.

Ayurveda, the oldest natural therapy and traditional Indian medicine states that ghee has "1000 uses and 1000 effects”' as per Charaka Samhita, Volume 1, Chapter 27. As a result, it serves a multitude of functions in its native India, where it is dedicated to God during Hindu rites (Puja) and used in many ayurvedic medicines for eye cleaning, memory, intelligence, digestion, energy, vitality, removing toxins, fatigue, unhappiness, fever and many more. It is truly a perfect oil. It has a wide range of uses. 

Nutritional Value Of Ghee

Although ghee is made entirely of fat, it also includes the following essential nutrients that the body needs.

• B-carotene: Ghee, which is made using milk from cows raised on lush grass, is high in beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A. Additionally, it also has immunostimulant and antioxidant properties.
• Vitamin E: It is a substance that was once present in ghee in significant amounts. It contains antioxidant properties that stop lipids from oxidising in the body and effectively stave off ageing and diseases linked to an unhealthy lifestyle.
• Conjugated linoleic acid: Conjugated linoleic acid is a form of unsaturated fatty acid derived from linoleic acid. Its purpose is to supply the nutrients we consume via our meals to muscles and increase fat metabolism. It is found in sunflower seeds and the bodies of ruminant animals such as cows.
• Medium-chain fatty acids: Saturated fatty acids of the medium-chain variety are abundant in breast milk, raw milk, coconut oil, palm oil, and other foods. It functions to increase energy and decrease fat storage. Medium-chain fatty acids are less likely to be deposited as subcutaneous fat than other fatty acids because they are quickly metabolised in the liver.
• Oleic acid: The unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid got its name because it was found in olive oil. It can withstand oxidation even in the presence of fats and oils, making it appropriate for use in high-temperature cooking. It is a substance that is both present in human skin and makeup.
• A-linolenic acid: One of the lipids found in human bodies is alpha-linolenic acid, a kind of omega-3 fatty acid that is well-known for being found in blue fish. It needs to be obtained from food because the body is unable to manufacture it.
• Butyric Acid: One of the fatty acids found in ghee is butyric acid, which is a material found in a lot of different places in nature. Additionally, ruminant animals like cows occasionally chew food, producing dietary fibre that is then fermented in the intestines. This process produces butyric acid, which is a vital source of energy for herbivorous animals.

Ghee Benefits

Diet: It has been demonstrated that ghee contains elements, such as medium-chain fatty acids, that promote fat burning. When on a diet, it is advised to cook with ghee. It is said to contain a high concentration of conjugated linoleic acid, which aids in the breakdown and burning of stored fat, and it does not elevate cholesterol as other oils do. Because the body does not often manufacture conjugated linoleic acid, using ghee daily might complement your diet. No matter how beneficial it is to your health, ingesting too much of it can raise your blood cholesterol. Stay away from overeating. One tablespoon should be the maximum amount you use each day, especially if you have a kapha constitution or are highly kapha.

Increased appetite: As we know, ghee has short-chain fatty acids, which stimulate the digestive tract's mucous membranes, aiding in the absorption of minerals and water among other nutrients. As a result, it is claimed to enhance food flavour and agni, or digestive power. It can also be taken pure, without any additives, as an appetite stimulant. It is even suggested by healthcare professionals to consume ghee to increase the appetite of a baby, children, adult or elder.

Detoxification: Ghee, which acts as an antidote, is used as a prelude to Ayurvedic purification methods, and is sometimes used as an antidote to alleviate chronic fever, anaemia, and blood abnormalities. Ghee has a laxative effect that can be experienced in the morning with a spoonful. Likewise, you can eliminate toxic and unwanted particles from the body.

Relieve Dry Eye: A technique known as Netra Tarpana is immersing the eyelids in ghee that has been heated to approximately 30 degrees Celsius by boiling it in water. However, this is a medical procedure as it may cause problems such as eye infections. Applying a few drops of ghee as an eye drop in a designated area is a simple at-home method. It is very beneficial for dry eyes.

Relieve constipation: As we know, ghee is an oil made from dairy products. Dairy products contain butyric acid, which is supposed to assist in enhancing intestinal ecology. Furthermore, the short-chain fatty acids in ghee can gently acidify the intestines, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and enhance the environment within the intestines. It is claimed to be useful in promoting better bowel movements and activating the mucous membranes of the large intestine.

Anti-ageing: Vitamins A and E, which are abundant in ghee, have antioxidant properties that stave off ageing and arteriosclerosis. It is a vitamin that is crucial for anti-ageing. When ghee is applied directly to the skin, the ingredients penetrate deep into the skin, and it also has a reverse-ageing (rejuvenating) effect that improves and improves the condition of the skin.

Increases immunity: The butyric acid contained in ghee helps control the environment in the intestines by inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. The beneficial bacteria in the intestines will proliferate when the quantity of harmful bacteria is decreased and the intestinal environment is enhanced. The intestines are home to a large number of immune cells. When immune function is enhanced, the body is better able to defend against germs and viruses that infiltrate the body from the outside. You can strengthen your immune system by consuming ghee daily. You might have heard that having a lot of ghee in the winter season is because of immunity-enhancing properties.

Other Effect: It has a tonic effect that strengthens all bodily tissues, especially reproductive tissues, and increases ojas (vitality). It also has many other benefits, such as enhancing voice and complexion and boosting intelligence, understanding, and memory. Additionally, it is also said to have the effect of improving the taste of food and promoting digestion.

How Is It Miracle Oil?

There is no doubt that ghee is a miracle oil. Besides its many benefits, it has some unique properties that also make it a miracle oil. Let’s know

Can be stored for long periods at room temperature: Ghee doesn't spoil because it has more oil and less moisture than butter. About 15.8% of butter is made up of water, and it is this water content that is prone to spoiling, especially when microbes are involved. Ghee has about 0.2% water content, and it is known that at about 0.3 (water activity value), the oxidation reaction of lipids achieves its lowest level. Put another way, ghee is a very pure oil that has little oxidation processes and can be kept for a long time at room temperature; in fact, there is 100-year-old ghee in India.

Good lipid balance: There is little chance of ingesting too much of any one type of fat because ghee contains more than ten different forms of fat in a well-balanced way. In ghee, medium-chain fatty acids make up about 10%. It is considered to be extremely helpful for dieting since it is broken down and burned in the body ten times faster than typical fatty acids, and it is also said to be absorbed and digested four times faster. Athletes are starting to use it as an energy source as well. Additionally, it is reported to contain fewer long-chain fatty acids than butter, which reduces the likelihood that it will store fat. It also contains a lot of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that has been the subject of a lot of recent discussion. (About six times as much as butter) It is anticipated that consuming omega-3, an important fatty acid that is only obtained from food, will reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol. It is claimed to have anti-cancer, anti-high blood pressure, anti-cardiac illness, brain-development and function-activating properties, anti-allergy and depression-suppressive properties, immune-boosting properties, skin-beautifying properties, and blood vessel rejuvenation benefits. One of its characteristics is that it has less linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid. It has been suggested that consuming too much omega-6 can cause arteriosclerosis and raise the risk of myocardial and cerebral infarction. Maintaining equilibrium is crucial. One theory states that an omega 3:omega 6 ratio of 1:4 is optimal. Vitamins A (carotene), D, and E are fat-soluble vitamins that are abundant in ghee.

High smoke point (250 degrees): Ghee is more suited for stir-frying and frying since it has a smoking temperature of approximately 250 degrees, whereas butter has a smoking point of approximately 180 degrees. The smoke point of the oil will decrease with increasing oxidation or spoilage. Refined oil should be used for frying instead of unrefined extra virgin olive oil, as extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of 160 degrees and olive oil is 180 degrees. This is because the oil from the olives is extracted before cooking. It is better to use so-called regular olive oil that contains olive oil. Refined oils often have a higher smoke point and are harder to oxidise.

Safe for those with lactose intolerance: Dairy Products are a part of everyday life. It reports that 60% of the Indian Population is thought to be lactose intolerant. It's commonly believed that even those who are lactose intolerant can eat ghee because heat treatment removes the majority of the casein and lactose (milk sugar) from the product. Furthermore, butyric acid, a substance that controls the intestinal environment, is abundant in ghee, which is why we frequently hear people report that ingesting ghee has helped their bowel movement. Dairy products have a component called butyric acid, which is absent from other oils.

How To Use Ghee?

How should you consume the superfood ghee? Ghee is not only used as an ingredient in daily cooking but can also be mixed into drinks or used as a massage oil.

For Cooking and Making Sweets: The first way to use ghee that comes to mind is as a cooking oil. Since ghee is an Indian oil and works well with curries, adding ghee to stir-fried veggies would provide a rich and delectable texture to the dish. Additionally, you can make ghee rice and serve it with curry by combining ghee and freshly cooked rice. Furthermore, it pairs nicely with foods that have strong scents, like Asian, Italian, and Western cuisine. Of course, it may also be used to make desserts, and the greatest part is that you can use it in place of butter and avoid the messy step of melting butter.

Add To Any Drinks: It is often advised to prepare "butter coffee" with ghee if you wish to add it to a beverage. You can also mix it with milk, water, etc. It is common to have this butter coffee instead of breakfast, but it's advised that newcomers should begin with a tiny amount of ghee and give their bodies time to adjust.

For Oil Massage: It has long been regarded as a versatile oil and is frequently used in Indian homes as an ointment and massage oil. It is claimed that applying ghee to cleansed skin, leaving it on for 20 to 30 minutes, and then removing it with a hot cloth would leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised. It can also be used as a skin beauty pack. Applying and massaging ghee onto your skin will allow its many oxidation-resistant components to enter deeply and leave a long-lasting effect. Some of the benefits of ghee include immunity enhancement, anti-ageing, fatigue recovery, and wound healing. It has been recognized to have many positive effects.

Ghee Dosage & Cautions

If you are going to incorporate ghee into your daily diet, you want it to be delicious. As a result, we will introduce recommended ways to take and drink it. Although ghee has a better fatty acid balance, it can be harmful to the body if consumed in excess. Short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which are hard to convert into body fat, are abundant in ghee; yet, surplus energy that is not needed is retained as neutral fat. In simple words, you will put on weight. Only one to two teaspoons should be consumed daily. Two tablespoons (approximately 24g) have 216 kcal, and one cup of rice has approximately 168 kcal, so don't eat too much.

Be sure to eat a little bit each day, in moderation. Please be conscious of not using too much oil overall, such as replacing the oil you usually use with ghee. Also, always use a clean, dry spoon to remove ghee from the jar. If moisture gets inside, bacteria can grow and cause spoilage. Commercially available ghee has an expiration date written on the container, but please pay attention to these after opening the package and make sure to enjoy it to the last spoonful.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) On Ghee

I didn't like the smell of ghee. Is there a way to use it?

If you combine it with strong scents such as ginger, garlic, and spices, the aroma of ghee will go away to some extent.

Is ghee good for health?

Yes, ghee is good for health when consumed in moderation. It contains healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and overall well-being. It offers better immunity, and digestive system, detoxifies the body as well and supports healthy skin.

How to make ghee?

To make ghee, simmer unsalted butter until the water content evaporates, and milk solids separate. Strain the golden liquid for a clarified, aromatic cooking fat. Ghee is 99% of fat, so it is important to eliminate every single drop of water from it to make a perfect ghee.

How to make ghee from malai?

To make ghee from malai, collect malai (cream) obtained from milk over time. Allow it to accumulate, then churn the malai to separate butter. Heat the butter until the water content evaporates, and milk solids separate. Strain the golden liquid to obtain pure, aromatic ghee, a clarified cooking fat with a rich flavour.

Is ghee good for weight loss?

Contrary to popular belief, ghee in moderation may aid weight loss by providing satiety and healthy fats, supporting a balanced diet. The overdose of ghee can increase the fat content in the body and may increase the weight. Hence, it is important to consume in limit, not more than 1-2 tablespoons.

How to make ghee rice?

To make ghee rice, cook basmati rice separately. In a pan, heat ghee, add whole spices for flavour, and saute. Mix the cooked rice into the ghee, coating it evenly. Add additional spices, herbs, and nuts as desired. The result is a flavorful dish with the aromatic essence of ghee.

Does ghee increase cholesterol?

Moderate ghee consumption is not linked to increased cholesterol levels. Its healthy fats may even have a neutral or positive impact on cholesterol. But do not overdose the ghee consumption.

Does ghee make you fat?

When consumed in moderation, ghee is not likely to cause weight gain. Its healthy fats can be part of a balanced diet.

What is a2 ghee?

A2 ghee comes from the milk of cows that produce A2 beta-casein protein. It's believed to be easier to digest and may offer additional health benefits.

How much ghee per day?

A general guideline is 1-2 tablespoons per day, but individual needs vary. Consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable for personalised recommendations.

What are the health benefits of ghee?

Ghee is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, providing energy, and potentially contributing to overall health.

What are the benefits of cow ghee?

Cow ghee is rich in nutrients and may have anti-inflammatory properties. It's believed to support digestion, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being.

Does cow ghee benefits in cold?

Cow ghee is considered beneficial in cold weather as its consumption may provide warmth and nourishment.

Is a2 cow ghee is benefit for nerves?

A2 cow ghee is believed to have calming properties that may benefit nerves, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Is cow ghee benefited in nasal problems?

Applying a small amount of lukewarm cow ghee to the nostrils may provide relief from nasal problems by moisturising and soothing the nasal passages.

Is cow's ghee benefits for melasma?

There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of cow's ghee for melasma. Consult a dermatologist for appropriate skincare solutions.

What are the benefits of ghee on face?

Applying ghee on the face may moisturise and nourish the skin, but its suitability varies among individuals. Patch testing is advisable.

What are the benefits to putting ghee in belly button?

There is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of putting ghee on the belly button. It's a traditional practice in some cultures, but its efficacy is subjective.