Ghee, some may know it as clarified or golden butter, has been a staple ingredient in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic healing. It is a form of butter where all water and milk solids have been eliminated, leaving you with a rich butterfat.
Just as coconut oil, ghee has been considered unhealthy due to its saturated fats. But just as coconut oil, ghee consist out of short-chain fatty acids, which, when used in moderation (not more than 10 grams per day), can benefit your health.
Health Benefits of Ghee
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Great for high heat cooking
Ghee has a higher smoking point than most other butters, oils, or margarines used in your kitchen. It will not burn or splatter easily and its fatty acids are more stable when heated. It can be unhealthy to heat polyunsaturated fats such as most vegetable oils to higher temperatures, as peroxides and free radicals are formed.
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Long shelf life
Ghee has a low moisture content and can be stored outside your fridge for several weeks, in your fridge it will last up to six months.
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Strong, rich flavor
Thanks to its strong flavor you don’t have to use much to create a great taste.
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Healthy fat when used in moderation
Ghee has no casein or other milk solids and can be used when you’re intolerant of butter. Ghee is an excellent and healthy alternative to health-depleting vegetable oils. I may even aid you in your weight loss efforts and can be beneficial for your heart health. But only when used in small amounts.
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Improves digestion
Ghee stimulates the production of stomach acid and increases the absorption of essential nutrients. It helps to reduce acid reflux, ulcers, and other digestive disorders.
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Promotes flexibility
Ghee can promote flexibility and act as a lubricant for connective tissues in the body.
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Cleanse toxins
Ghee can be used to remove fat-soluble toxins, like heavy metals from fertilizers, from tissues.
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Anti-inflammatory
Ghee strengthens your immune system and wards off pathogens.
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Good for your brain
Its fatty acids promote a good memory and enhance your overall brain function.
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Promotes healthy eyes and skin
Ghee can be used to treat burns and skin irritations.
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Full of vitamins
Ghee is full of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Those vitamins need other fat molecules in order to make it into our bloodstream.
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Ghee is free of:
Sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar.
Scroll if you want to learn how to make your own ghee or clarified butter.
How To Make Your Ghee At Home
Directions
- Melt 1 pound of organic, unsalted butter over medium heat under constant stirring. You could add 3 to 4 cloves if you like. This will help the clarifications and adds more flavor.
- Reduce the heat when the butter starts to boil and foam. Simmer until it is golden and no foam remains on the top. As the butter melts, it slowly separates into 3 layers. The top layer is foam, which is the water content that’s boiling off. The middle layer is the good stuff, and the bottom layer is mostly milk solids.
- When the crackling sound stops, your ghee is ready. This will take about 30 minutes
- Skim off the remaining foam after removing from the heat.
- Cool the mixture and spoon or pour out the clarified butter. Strain (you could use cheesecloth or fine-mesh) into a sterile jar. Discard the curds, as they are full of cholesterol.
This will make you about 1 to 2 cups of ghee.
Although we mostly use coconut oil for cooking, there are some dishes that need a more buttery and richer flavor and that’s when we use ghee. It is much healthier than normal butter or margarine. But like mentioned before, moderation is the key to maintain a good health.
ALSO READ: Coconut Ghee, The Best Of 2 Worlds
Ghee may reduce your cholesterol, when you’re healthy, or not affect it, but it is not advised for people already suffering from high cholesterol to use it on a daily basis.
Are you a ghee lover? Share your experiences with us in the comment box below.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
Superb post, the benefits of ghee looks very impressive. I add ghee in a meal on daily basis but never thought how beneficial it can be, good job and thanks for sharing such useful info.
Thanks. Glad to hear you like the article!