Health Benefits of Cooking with Ghee
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Want to know what one of my favourite nutrient dense foods is? It’s GHEE!
What is ghee you may ask?
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has been used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It is made by simmering butter to remove the milk solids and water, leaving a concentrated and pure form of butter with a nutty flavor. Although ghee is high in saturated fats, it has several health benefits that make it a popular ingredient in many cuisines.
Here are some of the health benefits of ghee:
High in healthy fats
While ghee has saturated fats, it is also high in antioxidant properties, conjugated linoleic acid, butyric acid, and vitamin K2, which offers several health benefits. The saturated fats in ghee are also known to boost brain function and memory.
Safe for people with lactose intolerance
Ghee is made by cooking butter until the milk solids are removed, which makes it a concentrated source of fats and eliminates the lactose and casein proteins that can be allergens for some people.
Promotes digestion
Ghee lubricates the intestines and improves digestion, which is why many people use it as a remedy for constipation, indigestion, and bloating.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Ghee contains butyrate, which is a short-chain fatty acid that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. It also helps to strengthen the immune system, lower blood sugar, and improve insulin resistance.
Improves skin health
Ghee is rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin growth. It is also known to promote the production and repair of collagen, which helps to keep the skin tight, firm, and smooth.
Helps in weight loss
Unlike butter, ghee contains short-chain fatty acids that are easily digestible and do not get stored as fats. It also maintains stomach fullness and curbs hunger.
Where can I include ghee in my cooking?
Incorporating ghee in cooking or as a spread can add flavour and offer health benefits as long as it is consumed in a balanced manner. I love to saute green beans, broccoli or mushrooms in ghee for either breakfast or dinner. I also toss my potatoes in a blend on ghee and olive oil before roasting them in the oven. And the craziest thing (some may call it weird) but I also will add 1-2 teaspoons of ghee to my coffee! The saturated fats protect the gut lining from the acid found in coffee. The ghee also reduces the negative effects of caffiene such as the increase in cortisol resulting in a racing heart which is common in some people after drinking coffee
Choosing a good quality ghee
I prefer to go for a ghee that is sourced from grass fed cows - organic is even better! You want to consume ghee from cows that eat grass as that is where the nutrients are found - in the grass. Don’t forget - you are what you eat eats!
Always purchase ghee that is sold in a glass jar - you dont want any nasty plastics/chemicals leaching out into you nutrient dense ghee.
Purchase my favourite ghee from Cell Squared here
Tell me - have you tried ghee?
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