Ghee -The life saver

Ghee, a clarified butter, has a very long and rich history. It has been used in Indian cooking for thousands of years. The following quote from an Indian philosopher Charvak (3,000 BC) shows the importance of ghee:

"Yada Jeevam, Sukham Jivet
Rinam Kritvam, Ghritam Pibet "
which means:
As long as you live, live happily
Beg, borrow or steal, but relish ghee

According to ayurveda,

• Ghee is said to have curative and rejuvenative(Rasayana) effects on the body that in turn promotes longitivity.


• Application of ghee on mild burns prevents blistering and scarring.


• Ghee is also believed to improve absorption and assimilation of nutrients. In other words, ghee helps to regularize bowel movement and relieve constipation. Taking one or two teaspoons of ghee in the morning followed immediately with a glass of hot water, will promptly produce bowel movements.

• It is finest fuel for digestive system (Jatara-Agni) of the body. It helps to balance excess stomach acids and maintains as well as repairs the mucus lining of the stomach (cures gastric ulcers).

• It strengthens the brain and nervous system and is believed to promote all three aspects of mental functioning, i.e ghee improves the intelligence, refines the intellect and improves the memory.

• It nourishes and lubricates the connective tissues thus making the body flexible and increasing stamina.


• Ghee also contains 2-3% conjugated linoleic acid, which has anti-carcinogenic properties.


• An Anti-oxidant: Ghee has beta-carotene and vitamin E, both known anti-oxidants that counter the effects of free radicals. Science has been able to establish that free radicals cause nearly 90 percent of all degenerative diseases.
• Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K2 (Activator X) help in production of proteins and lipids essential for mental health.


• It makes the skin smooth and gives glowing complexion.


• Ghee is also useful for eyes. It is used in Netra Tarpan- an Ayurvedic treatment for the eyes that relieves tiredness and improves the eyesight.


• It also boosts our immune system.

Fatty facts of ghee

In the case of ghee, most of its saturated fats are short-chain fatty acids which make it easily digestible. It also contains up to 27% monounsaturated fatty acids and only 4% to 5% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Since our body needs both saturated and unsaturated fats, this
combination is close to ideal.

Ghee actually maintains the ratio of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) levels. Clinical experience is that if ghee is used in moderation as appropriate to ones body type it does not raise ones cholesterol levels.

Note:

1. 15 to 20gm of visible fat (oil/ghee) is recommended per person per day.
2. Ghee in your diet will carry fat-soluble foods quickly and easily inside cells
3. Ghee's rate of absorption into body tissues is 96 per cent, the highest of all oils and fats. This is why most of ayurvedic medicines are prepared with ghee as the base
4. Cow ghee in particular the best option.
5. Ghee does not contain harmful trans fats or hydrogenated oils which can cause heart disease and many other serious health problems.
6. The coagulated lactose and other milk solids are removed in the process of making it, rendering it suitable for lactose intolerant people.

So the next time you sit at the dining table do not forget to reach for the ghee bowl!!!