7 Amazing Health Benefits of Desi Ghee - Unlocking the Secrets
When you are talking about the benefits of desi ghee, it has a rich, deep flavor and aroma, and it offers many health benefits, making it a prized ingredient in the preparation of households. As winter approaches, desi ghee becomes a crucial ingredient in making numerous winter foods, such as different types of halwa (desserts) and roasted dry fruits, to boost the immune system.
Let’s explore the benefits of desi ghee, its preparation, nutrition facts, and tips for consuming desi ghee.
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What is Desi Ghee?
Compared to regular butter, desi ghee is a clarified butter in which water and milk solids are removed from butter and has long been a part of Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking & ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional form of medicine that is used to improve physical and mental health.
What is the Source of Desi Ghee?
Ghee is obtained by boiling unsalted butter until all its water evaporates and remains clear and golden butterfat. Through that process, all the milk solids get separated, and thus, ghee becomes self-purified, lactose-free, and easy to digest for those suffering from lactose intolerance.
How to Make Desi Ghee?
Ingredients: Unsalted butter or fresh cream (malai).
Process:
- Melt butter or malai in a heavy-bottomed pan over a low flame.
- Simmer until the milk solids separate and settle at the bottom, as golden and aromatic fat floats on top.
- Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar
- Let it cool before sealing it for storage
7 Amazing Benefits of Desi Ghee
Desi ghee has many advantages in winter, as it contains a warming and invigorating nature.
Boost Immunity:
Fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants in ghee provide a form of immunity within the body for resistance against colds and infections common during the winter.
Enhance Digestion:
Ghee, with butyric acid, is good for gut health, enhances digestion, and helps avoid constipation during cold months.
Keep the Body Warm:
Ghee is a natural energy giver and produces warmth in the body; therefore, it is suitable against the chill.
Joint Care:
Ghee's health oils lubricate joints and reduce inflammation, relieving them from cold stiffness and pain.
Skin Health:
Winter causes the skin to become dry and flaky. Ghee possesses moisturizing properties that keep skin hydrated and glowing when eaten or applied topically.
Heart Health:
Ghee contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body and promote good cardiovascular health.
Energizing:
Ghee is one of the foods that carries calories and instantly gives energy; thus, it should be taken as part of the diet when engaging in activities or exercising in winter.
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Nutrition in Desi Ghee
Desi ghee is packed with lots of nutrients, and it is indeed an energy-enhancing food for health:
- Vitamins: Desi ghee is rich in vitamins A, E, and K, which are essential for immunity, bone health, and skin to glow.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Good fats that help users take care of heart function and brain health.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): It helps in weight management and boosts metabolism.
- Butyric Acid: They are beneficial for digestion as they feed gut cells and reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidants: They fight free radicals and keep the body protected from oxidative stress.
Desi Ghee vs Butter: Which is Better to Consume
Desi ghee and butter are both dairy products, but they have different flavors, nutritional facts, composition, and preparation. Here are the differences between desi ghee and butter:
|
Category |
Desi Ghee |
Butter |
|
Preparation |
Made by boiling gently to remove milk solids and water to leave pure fat. |
Made by stirring cream to separate fat from the buttermilk. |
|
Composition |
100% fat |
80% fat |
|
Flavor & Aroma |
Rich, aromatic |
Creamy, mildly salty |
|
Nutritional Profile |
Higher in calories (~120 kcal/tbsp) |
Moderate calories (~102 kcal/tbsp) and nutrient levels |
|
Smoke Point |
High (485°F / 252°C) |
Low (350°F / 177°C) |
|
Shelf Life |
Long shelf life |
Shorter shelf life |
|
Best For |
High-heat cooking, lactose-intolerant individuals, and traditional recipes. |
Baking, spreading on bread, and lighter-flavored dishes. |
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How to Use Desi Ghee?
It is an ingredient that can make a good addition to the diet in any kitchen for multiple purposes.
- Most Cooked and Fried Items: Excellent for sautéing vegetables, frying parathas, or using as a cooking medium for curries. You can also improve your dal, rice, or khichdi with a spoonful.
- In Sweets: It's being used in traditional desserts like halwa, ladoos, and gajar ka halwa.
- In Beverages: Use it in a glass of warm milk with turmeric as an immunity booster.
- As a Spread, Ghee can replace butter and be smeared on rotis or even bread.
Overconsumption of Desi Ghee
There are several benefits associated with desi ghee, but there are also risks associated with its overuse:
Weight Gain: It is calorie-dense and may lead to excessive weight gain.
Heart Health: Although good fats are found in massive quantities in ghee, over-consumption can increase cholesterol levels in some individuals.
Harmful Digestion: In some people, it may cause indigestion or disturb the stomach with overuse.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, desi ghee is a must-have traditional ingredient in every household of Middle Eastern and South Asian countries to get a natural source of vitamins and minerals. Desi Ghee is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. Desi ghee also contains the natural value of vitamins A, E, & K, which help people of all ages to maintain a healthy and balanced life.
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