If you have ever heard from your dadima about using ghee in your diet, it is for the numerous ghee health benefits that make ageless in active life. The golden liquid, ghee has its kingly place in the Indian Kitchen and Ayurveda for its healing and healthy properties. The Ayurveda classic called Sushrut Samhita notes that ghee is beneficial for the entire body. It cures Pitta Dosha problems that disturb the whole cycle of digestion and show different side-effects. Many health problems arise from Pitta Dosha which commands the heat, metabolism and transformation of the body. Ghee controls the digestion of the food, drives the function of eyes, glow of skin, and balances desires, toxin-free blood and metabolism for healthy nutrients and tissues.
Ghee brims with fat-soluble vitamins and healthy fatty acids. When ghee is used in the staple diet it makes bones stronger and enhances the weight loss in a miraculous way. People swapping ghee with refined oils is the biggest mistake of modern cooking. When taken in the right amount, ghee plays a major role in balancing hormones and maintaining healthy cholesterol. As ghee has high heat point it prevents from producing free radicals that harm the functioning of cells. Due to higher smoke point ghee can be easily used in baking, sautéing, frying and roasting without destroying the important nutrients.
Benefits of eating ghee are not only related to health but it also enhances the flavour of food. Other than kitchen it finds its essential place in the hair and skin beauty rituals too. Let’s see some of the amazing ghee health benefits.
- Low in fat and good for cholesterol
Compared to butter ghee is a healthier option as it is low in fat. This benefit can lead to easy digestion. It reduces general cholesterol levels by triggering an increased secretion of biliary lipids. Being a saturated fat, one of the benefits of eating ghee daily is that it boosts immunity and helps to keep viral infections away. - Keeps digestive system up-to-date
Good digestion is vital for the overall health of the body. Most of the problems in the body are related to our digestive system. Ghee is high in butyric acid also known as BTA. Butyric acid serves as a major source of energy for both colon and large intestine. Both the organs play an important role in the absorption of nutrients and elimination of the body waste as ghee aids in stimulation of stomach acid secretion. Ghee converts fibre into butyric acid which is essential for detoxifying and elimination of other fats and toxins. - Provides essential vitamins for immunity
Ghee is rich in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K which are. These vitamins work efficiently for the immune system and for the functioning of bones, brain and heart. The dietary fats it carries can help your body absorb the essential vitamins and make the vital use of them for keeping our body healthy. - Lessens the Glycemic Index
Applying ghee on rotis and parathas, adding a dollop of ghee on dal-chawal or khichdi is an everyday practice of Indian kitchen. Applying ghee on roti or paratha can bring down the glycemic acid of the roti and its moisture can make it easily digestible. During the book launch of ‘Pregnancy Notes’ by celebrity dietician Rujuta Diwekar, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor told media that during her pregnancy she made sure to add ghee regularly in dal. She also said that her 80- year grandmother always spreads ghee on her chapattis. - Ghee benefits for skin
Beauty is one segment where ghee acts proactively and slows down skin-ageing. Ghee benefits of skin can be availed by both consumption and application of ghee. Ghee has good moisturizing property to improve skin quality in winters. A direct and light massage of ghee on skin makes skin soft and supple. It can be mixed with the blend of haldi and besan which is considered as an excellent mask for the skin. After rinsing the ghee-blended mask of besan, it gives a brightened glow to the skin. Ghee can also be applied on the lips to make them soft and shiny. Rashes can heal gradually with the improvement of skin quality when ghee is applied on them. When applied to the under-eye area, it can relax tired eyes and help in clearing the dark circles. - Ghee benefits for hair
Massaging warm ghee into dry and coarse hair can take care of split ends effectively. To make dry and frizzy hair manageable and soft, apply ghee on hair and wash it with a mild shampoo. This treatment conditions hair and makes them shiny. Mix equal parts of ghee and coconut oil. Massage it on the scalp slowly. This can nourish your scalp and also stimulate the hair growth. - Opens clogged nose
As the title suggests, ghee health benefits are not only limited to what is being read or said everywhere. In the Nysa treatment, Ayurveda suggests pouring a few drops of warm ghee into the nostrils. This treatment can provide quick relief from the clogged nose which causes breathing problems. As ghee travels all the way from nose to throat, it soothes the infection of cold. But make sure the ghee is lukewarm and not hot. - Promotes weight loss
One of the major benefits of eating ghee daily is that it promotes the process of weight loss. The common perception about ghee is that it is fattening and unhealthy. Ghee with no lactose and casein makes it suitable for people to digest. Amino acids in ghee shrink the fat cells and assist in mobilizing fat. The conjugated linoleic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acids helps in weight loss and increase the lean body mass reducing the fat mass. - Ghee is anti-inflammatory
Ghee helps in reducing inflammation in the gastronomical tract. It is an advisable dietary addition for some people who have ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It treats general inflammation throughout the body. Ghee is a natural option treating inflammation other than the butyrate supplements used for treating inflammatory conditions.
Ghee is an elixir for total health and is to be consumed in recommended portions to gain its maximum advantages. It is a miraculous food to make life full of energy and enthusiasm as a healthy being can live life happily and fully. So, never stop using ghee in the daily diet.
