Ghee is the most glorious goop around! I love adding it into my coffee, matcha and cacao. Got carrots? Throw those into a cast iron pan wit some ghee and enjoy!
Clarified Butter
Ghee is a highly nutritious and versatile cooking fat with numerous health benefits, from supporting digestive health and weight management to enhancing skin and hair care. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for cooking, while its rich flavor and nutrient content make it a valuable addition to any diet. Ghee's role in Ayurvedic medicine and spiritual practices further highlights its significance in promoting overall well-being.
Supports Digestive Health
Ghee contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that is known to support gut health by nourishing the cells of the intestinal lining. It can help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve digestion. Butyrate is also beneficial for those with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease.
Rich in Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Ghee is a good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for various bodily functions, including immune support, skin health, vision, and bone strength. These vitamins are more easily absorbed in the presence of fat, making ghee an excellent carrier for these nutrients.
High Smoke Point
Ghee has a high smoke point of around 485°F (252°C), which makes it stable for cooking at high temperatures without breaking down into harmful compounds. This makes it ideal for frying, sautéing, and roasting.
Lactose and Casein-Free
During the clarification process, ghee is stripped of lactose and casein, which are the components in dairy that can cause digestive issues in some people. This makes ghee a suitable fat for those who are lactose intolerant or have dairy sensitivities.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The butyrate in ghee has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. It is also beneficial for overall immune function.
Supports Weight Management
Despite being a fat, ghee can support weight management by promoting satiety and reducing cravings. The medium-chain fatty acids in ghee are metabolized quickly by the liver and used for energy rather than being stored as fat.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
Ghee can be applied topically to moisturize and nourish the skin and hair. Its rich fatty acid content helps in hydrating dry skin, reducing wrinkles, and promoting hair growth.
Ayurvedic Healing
In Ayurveda, ghee is considered a powerful healing food. It is used to balance the doshas (body energies), improve digestion, and enhance the absorption of nutrients. Ghee is also used in Ayurvedic detox procedures like Panchakarma.
Cooking and Frying
Ghee is ideal for high-heat cooking such as frying, sautéing, and roasting due to its high smoke point. It adds a rich flavor to dishes without breaking down at high temperatures.
Baking
Ghee can be used as a substitute for butter in baking to add a deeper flavor and ensure a dairy-free option for those with lactose intolerance. It works well in cakes, cookies, and pie crusts.
Flavoring
Ghee is often used to finish dishes like steamed vegetables, rice, or lentils. A spoonful of ghee can be drizzled over foods to enhance their flavor and provide a rich, buttery taste.
Traditional Dishes
Ghee is a staple in Indian cooking and is used in curries, dals, and rotis. It is also used to make traditional sweets like halwa and ladoo.
Coffee and Tea
Some people add ghee to their coffee or tea as part of a keto or bulletproof coffee routine, which is said to provide sustained energy and help with fat metabolism.
Ayurvedic Remedies
In Ayurveda, ghee is used in various medicinal preparations to enhance the absorption of herbs and to balance the doshas. It is also consumed directly as a part of Ayurvedic practices for digestive health and overall vitality.
Nutritional Supplement
Ghee can be taken daily as a nutritional supplement to support immune health, digestion, and skin health. A spoonful of ghee on an empty stomach is a common Ayurvedic practice.
Moisturizer
Ghee can be applied directly to the skin as a natural moisturizer. It is particularly effective for dry, chapped skin and can be used on the face, hands, and feet.
Hair Treatment
Ghee can be used as a hair mask to nourish and condition the hair. It helps in reducing frizz, promoting hair growth, and adding shine to the hair.
Healing Balm
Ghee can be applied to wounds, burns, and scars to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Its antibacterial properties help protect the skin and accelerate the healing process.