Ghee is known for its several advantages. It is known for its capacity to help with everything from hair health to cognitive function. Perhaps that is why our grandmothers used to feed us ghee-laden rotis and laddoos. Even Ayurveda loves ghee for its amazing health benefits! However, if you’ve never truly liked this crowd-pleaser, that’s alright.
Ghee is the best, no doubt! It is great for everyday use. However, Ayurveda says contrary to common opinion, it isn’t suitable for everyone. There are some lesser-known downsides of eating ghee, alongside crucial benefits. It won’t be appropriate for certain health conditions!
Today, we are going to know why! So, let’s get started!
But First, What is Ghee?
Ghee is a clarified or drawn butter used especially in Indian cuisine. Clarification means separating milk solids and water from fat using heat. Ghee can be made by boiling butter for longer than clarified butter, allowing the milk solids to brown before filtering it.
As a result, ghee has a rich, nuttier flavour than typical clarified butter. There are many misunderstandings regarding ghee as a fatty meal. However, Ayurveda considers it as a good fat. Ghee has several health advantages if consumed in moderation and with the appropriate meals.
People in India use an ancient system of alternative medicine known as Ayurveda. Ghee is prominent in Ayurveda-recommended meals. You can use ghee in combination with herbal therapies as well. Ghee has lately gained appeal as a superior alternative to ordinary butter owing to its reported spiritual and medicinal benefits.
It has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for cooking and serving as a foundation for gravies and stews. Furthermore, ghee is abundant in monounsaturated fats, which are found in studies to offer health advantages such as decreased cholesterol levels.
Some Amazing Advantages Of Ghee
Ghee is used alongside herbal therapy as part of Ayurveda, an ancient alternative medicine in India. Aside from its purported spiritual and therapeutic powers, ghee has many fantastic advantages.
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Has healthy fats
Ghee includes beneficial fats that help the body create good cholesterol. Unlike other forms of fat, it does not promote heart disease.
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Helps digestion
Ghee consumption is significantly associated with gut health. Our ancestors ate a teaspoon of ghee before each meal. It lined the intestines, which reduced the incidence of ulcers and cancer.
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Boosts the immune system
Ghee includes butyric acid, which aids the body’s production of disease-fighting T cells.
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Contains essential vitamins
It is also is a good source of oil-soluble vitamins A and E, necessary for a healthy liver, hormonal balance, and fertility.
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Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer
Ghee contains butyric acid, which has anti-cancer potential. It has anti-inflammatory properties since it contains antioxidants.
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Reduces bladder pain
Several healthcare specialists advocate giving cow ghee in the morning to alleviate bladder discomfort. Garlic cloves mixed with cow ghee can be consumed to treat persistent fever. To treat dry mouth and taste buds, use amla powder mixed with raisins and cow ghee in the mouth for a few minutes.
Haritaki powder combined with cow ghee is recommended for stomach discomfort since it works as an antispasmodic. Cow ghee combined with sugar might be an effective alternative to Triphala decoction, which frequently produces side effects.
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Strengthens bones
Ghee includes vitamin A, which promotes eye health and protects against night blindness, and Vitamin K, which helps calcium absorption. It helps reduce tooth decay and atherosclerosis. Also, discover wholesome meals for healthy bones.
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Treats menstrual problems
Menstrual difficulties can be treated with ghee, which helps to regulate the body’s hormones. It became a good alternative for treating menstrual disorders, including PMS and irregular cycles.
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Helps to reduce weight loss
Ghee boosts the body’s metabolism, making it an effective weight loss tool. Consuming ghee allows the body to burn other fats, which results in weight loss.
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Post-surgery recovery
In ancient India, cow ghee was used as a base to create wicks after surgery. In Ayurvedic treatments, it’s often used over surgical sutures to promote rapid healing. To cure piles and fistulas, doctors use a specific concoction called Kshara, which contains cow ghee.
Cow ghee’s remarkable healing capabilities make it an excellent choice following an accident or surgery. Cow ghee is put initially into the ear lobes of youngsters to relieve discomfort and irritation while simplifying the piercing process.
According to Ayurveda, “You are not what you eat. Instead, you are what you digest.” Your health is directly proportionate to your digestive fire (Agni). More than any other meal, ghee activates and improves your digestive fire or Agni.
However, there are many scenarios when you should avoid it. Let’s discuss them.
When Should You Avoid Ghee?
It’s a vital topic because ghee is a healthy dairy product that contains no health risks when used in moderation. However, if you have pre-existing high cholesterol or high blood pressure issues and live a sedentary lifestyle, you should avoid consuming ghee. On the contrary, if your doctor advises you to avoid ghee in your diet, you should do so.
Here are 5 situations when you should avoid having ghee according to Ayurveda.
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If You Suffer From Indigestion
Ghee is heavy to digest. So, while ghee may act as a laxative for some, it may have the opposite effect for those suffering from indigestion. Also, if you have a fatty liver, including ghee in your diet isn’t a good choice.
Because ghee is a dairy product, persons sensitive to milk proteins might experience a rash, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea. Similarly, people who are lactose intolerant may suffer bloating, gas, or stomach distress after eating ghee.
On the other hand, ghee can reduce allergy symptoms since it is filtered and has no milk protein. If you have a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, ask your doctor if ghee should be a part of your diet. Also, if you’re someone with chronic indigestion and stomach issues, do not overdo ghee.
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If You Have Obesity
Ghee includes CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), which can help some people lose weight, but it is also a high-calorie and fat-rich food. So, despite its health benefits, excessive ghee use can cause weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.
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If You Have a Fever or Cold
Keep away from your homemade cough and cold medicines that contain ghee. According to Ayurveda, ghee raises Kapha levels. As a result, it’s inappropriate for intake during fevers caused by coughs and colds.
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If You Are Pregnant
Pregnant women should use caution while consuming ghee. If you are overweight or obese during pregnancy, limit your intake of ghee. Pregnant women often experience bloating and indigestion. Pregnant women should reduce their ghee intake if they have a cold or an upset stomach.
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If You Have Cardiac Problems
The cholesterol in ghee may oxidise during high-heat processing. Oxidised cholesterol can raise the risk of various illnesses, including heart disease. However, it is not recommended for heart patients since it might increase the chance of a heart attack. It’s also related to fatty acids, which raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack.
The ghee conversation is complicated. If you’re wondering whether or not to keep ghee in your kitchen (no, it doesn’t have to be refrigerated), choose healthier alternatives like sunflower, mustard and sesame oils.
Try replacing saturated fats like butter and ghee with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive/sunflower oil. Avocados, salmon, and flaxseed can also provide health advantages. However, imagine that all these foods and oils are heavy in calories, so consume them in moderation.
Most healthy persons can consume ghee on occasion as long as their saturated fat intake does not exceed the recommended daily limit. But remember, people with high cholesterol must restrict the saturated fat.
And if you are lactose intolerant and miss the occasional buttery flavor, ghee could be a suitable substitute.
We hope this article has shown you how ghee can be beneficial and not advantageous for your health. Need to know more? Check out our most recent shares for additional concepts and insights.
If you need any Ayurvedic consultation, feel free to reach us! We are here to guide you.