A dollop of golden clarified butter (ghee) is good

Include clarified butter in your diet. Yes, you heard it right. It is safer than butter and cooking oils and we recommend including ghee to your daily food. This golden, rich liquid is procured by segregating water and milk solids which leaves only healthy fats behind. Commonly known as ghee, it is free of sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar and protein.

Traditional medicine practitioners believe that if herbs and spices are fried in ghee, they can be absorbed and transported to targeted body areas. It is free of harmful hydrogenated oils, artificial flavours, preservatives or transfat.

While Ayurveda calls ghee sacred, medicinal and nourishing food, lets check out why modern experts term it as one of the seven healthy fats one must have in the kitchen.

Stimulates secretion of stomach acids, boosts immunity: Clarified butter converts fibre into butyric acid, which is necessary for intestinal bacteria and supports production of killer T Cells in the gut. The acid is a short chain fatty acid and unhealthy digestive tracts fail to produce it. While oil and other fats sit heavy on the stomach and slow down the body’s digestive process, ghee aids digestion.  It also increases appetite and helps reduce weight.

Excellent brain tonic:  Clarified butter is ideal for nerves and brain. The high level of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in it decreases the risks associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s and helps in better functioning of brain and nerves. Clarified butter is rich in healthy fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K which boost bone and brain health and strengthen immunity. Ayurvedic practitioners believe, ghee promotes learning and increased memory retention.

Good for healthy heart: The Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the unhealthy cholesterol in serum and intestine by triggering increased secretion of biliary lipids and enhances good blood cholesterol level.

Essential for eye health: Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and ghee has it in substantial quantities. The Carotenoids in it are antioxidants, which prevents or delays macular degeneration and development of cataracts.

A beauty enhancer: Ghee rejuvenates the skin from within and makes it glow. It is an excellent moisturizing agent and can be safely applied to the skin along with a few drops of water. Ghee can also be applied on burns as it not only helps heal it faster, but also reduces the sting or burning sensation.

Fights cancer & aids weight loss: Ghee has cancer-fighting fatty acid called conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) which also helps in reducing the waist line. It has essential amino acids that mobilize the stubborn fat and shrinks the fat cells.

Deals with dairy, lactose allergy issues: Those allergic to dairy products or lactose intolerant can relish ghee as it is a dairy free product and not worry about the gastrointestinal problems that follow.  Also, it ups the resistance against allergies and common ailments.

Reduces inflammation: The high level of butyric acid decreases inflammation in the joints and gastrointestinal tract. Those suffering from Ulcerative colitis have also found immense relief after regular consumption of ghee. Ayurveda and conventional medicines have also recommended effective use of ghee enemas to treat different types of inflammations including bowel diseases like Crohn’s.

Promotes flexibility and fertility: Ghee lubricates connective tissues and promotes flexibility. It  is also advised by yoga practitioners. Also, it is known to boost the quality and quantity of semen.

Power food: The medium chain fatty acids are essential for the body and are processed by liver and burnt as energy without contributing to weight gain.

Retains properties for years without refrigeration:  Owing to its low moisture content, ghee retains its medicinal properties and freshness even when kept out in the open for months

High smoking point: Unlike other cooking oils, ghee doesn’t break into free radicals which are harmful for health. Cooking oils generate toxic fumes and chokes respiratory tract.

Caution: Clarified butter is pure fat. Hence, excessive consumption can act as a negative dietary choice. However, it is essential to consume the clarified butter in adequate quantity – just about two teaspoons a day is good. Ghee is rich in saturated fats and too much of it could affect the heart.

-windowtonews