Clarified butter or ghee is made from raw unsalted butter from which the water and milk solids are removed. Not long ago, Ghee was thought to be bad for health and was considered to be a hurdle when it came to weight loss. However, after several scientific studies, it was revealed that there are many health benefits to Ghee consumption. Let’s take a look at a few of these.
Benefits:
- Ghee can withstand really high temperatures and has a high smoke point, making it ideal for deep frying.
- Ghee is believed to improve absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, nourishes and lubricates the joints, improves memory (the DHA connection) among other benefits.
- Ghee contains both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties making it a great way to boost your immune system and also protects us from infection, especially in the digestive tract.
- Ghee is very easy to digest. Because ghee is free of casein and other milk solids, it is a great option for people with sensitivities to dairy.
- Ghee is rich in natural antioxidants, composed mainly of short-chain fatty acids, and its cholesterol fraction resists oxidation. This is important since cholesterol becomes harmful when it is broken down or oxidized by free radicals that lead to clogged arteries and heart problems. The short chain fatty acids present in ghee are metabolized and used for energy immediately by the liver and resist being stored in the body as fat.
Nutritional Value:
Quantity – 15g
Calories – 115
Protein – 0g
Carbohydrates – 0g
Fat – 12.7g (out of which 7.9g saturated fat)
Cholesterol – 33mg
Healthy or not?
Yes, it is extremely healthy but do remember that excess of anything is bad! So why push the limits with ghee, even if you love it? We are, after all, talking about saturated fats. Two teaspoons a day is the recommended dosage by most nutritionists.