Benefits of ghee

wellbeing

Contrary to the popular belief that ghee is harmful for your body, it can actually put you on the track to good health. Barring conditions like obesity or high cholesterol, a moderate quantity of ghee (1-2 tsp a day) is a must for a healthy and balanced diet.

Ghee obtained from cow’s milk is a revered ingredient in Ayurveda; traditional texts sing praises in its favour and place it on a pedestal. Also known as clarified butter, the milk solids separate during its preparation, which makes ghee free of lactose. This renders it safe even for those who are intolerant to dairy products.

It is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K, besides the conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in ghee help boost metabolism.

The chief component of ghee is butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid which is highly beneficial to the digestive organs. Butyric acid helps in secretion of enzymes and also in absorbing the nutrients. The greasy nature of ghee lubricates and smoothens the walls of the intestine, facilitating easy movement of food during digestion.

Ghee nourishes the stomach lining and assists in healing irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome and other stomach inflammations. Ghee also improves the immune system, hence bringing vitality, nourishment and energy to the body.

Acting as an excellent lubricant for connective tissues, ghee promotes flexibility; its rich moisturising properties keep the skin soft and supple.

Ghee is often recommended in case of debility due to its detoxifying, deep tissue cleaning properties. It is also found to be soothing to the nervous system and balances the emotions – a reason for the wide use of ghee in rejuvenation therapies.

These are only a few examples and the numerous advantages of this ingredient may be beyond the scope of this column. So don’t shy away from ghee; enjoy the multitude of benefits it presents to us.