Ancient foods have gained popularity over the past few years in the health and wellness space, and ghee is one of them. People have been using this clarified butter since the sixth century in India for both cooking and its restorative qualities for centuries. With the fluctuating shift to whole, unrefined, nourishing foods, ghee is now being regarded once again as a superfood that might support our wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

Ghee is not a health fad or trend; ghee has history, cultural meaning and context in a traditional system of medicine called Ayurveda. And this is where we will go in this blog. Today, we will dive into ghee. We will explore: the extraordinary properties of ghee, the context of ghee in Ayurveda, and the health benefits of ghee. We will put this all together to explore how to integrate ghee into cooking as part of our new wellness journey moving forward. 

 

1. What is Ghee?

Ghee is also known as clarified butter. It is made from unsalted butter by simmering the butter until the water has evaporated and the milk solids have separated from the clean fat. The result is a golden liquid that smells nutty in fragrance, and the finished product has many nutrients and has a long shelf life. 

Ghee is pure fat, while butter has fat, milk solids and some water. When you cook with ghee, it has a relatively high smoke point over most cooking oils in the range of 485°F or 250°C, which gives you even more options for cooking with it, including frying and roasting. 

There are a few different kinds of ghee, based on which animal the source milk comes from:

•Cow ghee (it is the more common ghee in Ayurveda)

•Buffalo ghee (denser and richer)

•A2 ghee (comes from indigenous breeds of Indian cows. A2 ghee is what many claim to be more nutritious than normal cow ghee)

 

2. The Ancient Origins: Ghee in Indian History

In India, the value of ghee extends far beyond a simple kitchen ingredient. It is sacred during times of ritual, it reflects a medicine, and it is a daily aspect of our lives. In Ayurveda, ghee or Ghrita is deemed as one of the more sattvic (pure) food sources. Ghee is reported to balance the doshas, aid digestion, nourish our tissues, and clarify the mind.

In Indian homes, ghee is offered to deities in pujas, in fire rituals (yagnas), and even used to light oil lamps. Its purity symbolises nourishment and spiritual clarity.

Examples from antiquity include how ghee is used in Ayurveda and traditions:

•As a carrier in herbal medicinal Ayurvedic formulations

•Applied to burns and wounds for healing

•Consumed in fasting for energy and detoxification

•Given to newborns for immunity and development

Ghee continues to serve as a timeless ingredient that connects generations, as both food and medicine.

 

3. Nutritional Profile of Ghee

Ghee has some nutritional value when viewed nutritionally, despite being a fat:

Healthy Fats

Ghee has saturated fats known to contribute to both hormone production and nutrients. Ghee has short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, such as butyric acid, which is considered beneficial for gut health.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Ghee is a natural source of:

• Vitamin A - For vision, helps support the immune system  

• Vitamin D - helps absorb calcium and supports bone health 

• Vitamin E - An antioxidant. It acts to protect cells from cell damage

Vitamin K - Vital in blood coagulation and promotes cardiovascular functioning 

Lactose-Free and Casein-Free 

With clarification, most of the lactose and casein (milk proteins) are removed; therefore, ghee can be friendly to dairy-sensitive folks. 

 

4. Health Benefits of Ghee 

Ghee is quickly becoming one of the latest "superfoods" because of the range of health benefits.

The health benefits of ghee have been researched and found.: 

1. Aids in Digestion

Ghee can stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help aid in digestion. Ghee has butyric acid, which helps maintain and fortify the gut lining and maintains a balanced community of bacteria in our gut (gut microbiome). 

2. Immune Booster 

In Ayurveda, ghee is classified as an ojas-boosting food (ojas is the energetic essence that sustains immunity). Ghee contains a high amount of antioxidants to protect from free radicals and to help prevent diseases, and helps reinforce the body's defences.

3. Helps your Brain to Function

Ghee is also a great source of healthy fat for your brain and added brain health. I.Q. state supports memory improvement, concentration, and mood. Ghee is present in many Ayurvedic brain tonics, including Brahmi ghrita.  

4. Helps with Weight Loss

Research indicates that, when consumed in moderation, ghee may aid in weight management, which continues to be a growing concern for many. The MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) in ghee help to boost metabolism and increase fat-burning. 

5. Good for Skin and Hair

Ghee is also a great natural source of hydration. Ghee (when applied topically) can work as a natural moisturiser for dry skin, sore and chapped lips, and also adds shine to hair.

6. May Reduce Inflammation

Research on butyric acid in ghee showed helpful properties in helping with inflammation in the GI tract and other areas in the body, so consuming ghee may help with inflammatory conditions such as IBS, arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions.

 

5. Ghee versus Other Cooking Oils

When it comes to modern cooking oils, like vegetable oil or canola oil, ghee is a traditional, clean fat that is better:

If you're looking for a healthy cooking fat that’s stable, flavorful, and rooted in tradition, ghee is a standout choice.

6. Ideas for integrating ghee into your day

 

There are many different things you can do with ghee that allow you to reap its benefits, and not all revolve around cooking:

Cooking and Baking

•Sauteeing vegetables, cooking rice

•Spreading on toast or roti

•As an alternative to butter in baking

Ayurveda  

•Morning detox: Drink a teaspoon of ghee in warm water to detoxify and cleanse your digestive tract

•Oil pulling with ghee: Swish it in your mouth to assist your detoxification processes while also strengthening your gums.

•Nasya: Put a few drops of warm ghee in your nostrils for dryness and to support mental clarity.

Ghee for All Ages

•For infant and toddler food to support brain and bone development

•For the elderly: Add a teaspoon of ghee to warm milk before consuming. This can improve digestion and energy.

 

7. Purchasing & Storing Ghee

How to find good Ghee

•Look for: grass-fed, organic or A2 cow ghee

•Avoid ghee with any additives, preservatives or artificial flavours.

•Making ghee at home guarantees you pure ghee and control over the quality.

Storage

•Store in an airtight glass container or jar at room temperature.

•Keep moisture out for greater shelf life.

•If stored properly and the container remains airtight, ghee will last for 12 months or more.

 

Final Thought

Ghee is more than just a product for cooking with; it is a nutritional powerhouse, a healer of ailments, and a culinary gem that has stood the test of time and is ever-present in our society and culture. It has a sacred place in Hindu rituals; it finds its way into modern, health-enthusiast diets, and it has found its use as a superfood. Ghee can help soothe digestion, optimise our brains, or be used for what everyone cares about: cooking more delicious meals! Ghee is a natural remedy that blends tradition with science, and it is far more beneficial than excuses and laziness.