The renowned Ghee or clarified form of butter has been a staple in several Indian cuisines for centuries. Whether it is flavoured or plain, ghee is used hugely in Indian cooking. The reason ghee is widely used is because of the several health benefits it has. Renowned dietician and weight loss nutritionist Avni Kaul shares some of the health benefits of eating Ghee.
Nutritional powerhouse
Ghee is filled with essential fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These nutrients are important for a range of body functions, from a good immune system to brain functioning. Also, ghee helps your body to absorb fat-soluble minerals and vitamins from other foods.
Good for heart
While ghee has a high concentration of fats, it is high in Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to boost cardiovascular health. Studies also indicate that people who ate a spoonful of ghee daily had decreased serum cholesterol levels and a reduced incidence of coronary artery disease.
Decreases inflammation
Are you continuously battling inflammation in your body? Ghee has a fatty acid known as butyrate, which boosts the body’s immune system response. It is also filled with anti-viral properties, which contribute to a healthy digestive system by healing your stomach lining. Eating ghee daily might prove beneficial for people having intestinal disorders, like Crohn’s disease.
Beneficial for skin and hair
Is your skin dry? Ghee might help. The essential fatty acids present in ghee serve as a nourishing agent and are beneficial for those having dry, dull skin. Eating ghee daily helps moisturize skin making it look supple and soft. The best part is that it is suitable for all skin types. Regular consumption of ghee is also good for your hair – it makes the scalp less dry and promotes the growth of lustrous, thick hair.
Improves energy
Do your energy levels drop frequently during the day? One tablespoon of this ‘desi’ ingredient has 112 calories. Ghee has medium-chain fatty acids that are absorbed by your body and converted into energy.
Helps you keep warm from within
Thinking of how to keep yourself warm this winter? A daily dose of ghee will do this. According to Ayurveda, eating ghee improves the immune system and keeps our body warm from within. It also prevents cough and cold.
Possible downsides
Although ghee is beneficial for your weight and heart health when eaten in healthy amounts, excessive consumption of ghee daily could contribute to an enhanced risk of heart disease and weight gain. Be careful and use moderation while you incorporate ghee into your daily diet. Enjoy the benefits of ghee by adding it to a healthy diet instead of expecting only ghee to cure all your health issues.
Avni Kaul is Founder of Nutriactivania with Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition from University of Delhi and is also a Certified Diabetes Educator from Project Hope and International Diabetes Federation. She is a Leicester Mammas Ambassador trained in Lactation Counselling with NHS United Kingdom. Mammas support pregnant and new mothers and their families. Specializations of Avni Kaul Include Infant and Young Child Feeding Practises, Pre and Post natal diets, Fat loss, Muscle Gain and Holistic Health and Nutrition