Ghee: The Ancient Superfood With Modern Health Perks

For more than thousands of years, ghee has been highly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its incredible healing properties. But this ancient food is gaining popularity as people are now rediscovering its benefits.

Ghee has been a staple in many South Asian kitchens for centuries. And it is not merely a flavorful addition to dishes but also a powerhouse of health benefits.

Despite its high-fat content, ghee has gained recognition for its numerous health advantages, backed by both traditional wisdom and modern scientific research.  And here are five reasons why you should start using ghee today:

1. Lactose and Casein (slow-digesting dairy protein) Free:

For individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitivities to casein, ghee is the superhero and also the knight in shining armor!

Through the clarification process, cow ghee becomes virtually devoid of lactose and casein, making it a safe and delicious alternative for those who struggle with dairy products.

2. Brain and Nervous System Booster

Ghee is renowned for enhancing memory and fortifying the brain and nervous system. Its richness in healthy fats nourishes the brain cells, promoting cognitive function and mental clarity. In Ayurveda, ghee is referred to as a potent tonic for sharpening the intellect and fostering neurological well-being.

3. Joint Lubrication and Flexibility:

One of the lesser-known benefits of ghee lies in its ability to lubricate connective tissues, thereby enhancing flexibility and mobility in the body. Regular consumption of ghee can alleviate joint discomfort and promote overall joint health, ensuring that you move with ease and grace.

4. Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties:

In Ayurvedic medicine, ghee serves as a versatile vehicle for delivering the therapeutic properties of herbs to all parts of the body. It is extensively utilized in various medical applications, including the treatment of allergies, skin ailments, and respiratory conditions. By infusing herbs into ghee, Ayurvedic practitioners harness its profound healing potential to address many health concerns.

What more?

Research states that using ghee in cooking in Asian Indian families showed a low incidence of coronary heart disease as it is low in PUFAs such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. And the risk of coronary heart disease eventually increased about two to three decades ago since it was replaced by Vanaspati which is rich in linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and trans fatty acids as well. It is also notable that commercially prepared ghee is often adulterated with vanasapati.

An Indian study on a rural population showed a lower prevalence of coronary heart disease in men who consumed higher amounts of ghee. 

High doses of medicated ghee benefit decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters in psoriasis patients. 

So, what about the cholesterol levels in ghee?

One tablespoon of pure ghee contains about 7.5-8.0 grams of saturated fats and around 32-33 milligrams of cholesterol.

Now, cholesterol is often considered bad for you, but there's more to the story. 

When you consume ghee in the right amounts, it can increase the good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood. The key here is not to overdo the consumption of ghee. 

Experts recommend limiting your daily intake of ghee, especially if you have high cholesterol levels, to less than one or two teaspoons a day.

Can ghee affect your cholesterol levels?

Well, it depends on various factors like how much you consume, your lifestyle, diet, genetics, and even your digestive health. If you eat a balanced diet and moderate amounts of ghee, it's likely not going to harm your cholesterol levels. But if you're not so mindful of what you eat and lead a sedentary lifestyle, consuming ghee every day might worsen your cholesterol levels.

Overall, ghee can be considered good for your cholesterol if consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy lifestyle. It contains beneficial fats and vitamins that are good for your body, but like with everything, too much of it can lead to problems. So, enjoy your ghee, but remember to keep it balanced!

Why is the adulteration of ghee with vanaspati a problem?

Adulteration is one of the major problems when it comes to the consumption of ghee. And ghee is often adulterated with vanaspati. 

1. Vanaspati contains trans fats. Trans fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.

2. Consuming ghee adulterated with vanaspati can significantly increase your intake of unhealthy fats and cholesterol. This can lead to an imbalance in your cholesterol levels, contributing to heart problems and other health issues.

3. Trans fats found in vanaspati are known to promote inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate conditions like arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory diseases.

4. Vanaspati is harder for the body to digest compared to natural fats like ghee. Consuming adulterated ghee can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues.

5. Adulteration of ghee with vanaspati reduces the nutritional value of ghee. Ghee naturally contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, as well as beneficial fatty acids. However, vanaspati lacks these nutritional components, resulting in a loss of health benefits.

So how do you find desi cow ghee free from vanaspati? Well! We don’t want you to tire you and take the long route. 

At Sweet Karam Coffee, we have pure cow ghee sourced from local farmers that is carefully made free from vanaspati and any other preservatives.

Order Sweet Karam Coffee's pure ghee which is nothing but goodness now!