Every Indian household has a few staple ingredients, without which their kitchen would be incomplete. Many of these items are packed with nutritious goodness, which is why people who swear by eating homecooked meals are in top shape. One crucial aspect of the Indian diet is dairy products; milk is a staple in every home, but desi ghee, even more so! Desi ghee is a derivative of milk, or to be more precise, the cream extracted upon boiling full-fat milk. Today, we are going to explore the benefits of desi ghee and what good it can do for your body. Our article also looks into the question of whether desi ghee is good or bad for cholesterol. If you’ve been wondering about the same, stay tuned and keep reading below.
The Composition of Desi Ghee
Referred to as clarified butter, desi ghee has a distinct aroma and a golden yellow semi-liquid texture. It is also used as a timeless medicinal ingredient in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine). Desi ghee was named from the Sanskrit term “ghṛta” and is used extensively in Indian households for cooking, healing, and sacred rituals. Ghee is traditionally made using cream derived from cow or buffalo milk. Alternatively, people from different areas also make versions of ghee from goat, sheep, and yak milk. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A are its primary nutrients, with 112 calories and 33% saturated fats per serving tablespoon of 13 grams ghee.
Benefits of Desi Ghee
You may have heard all Indian or South Asian mothers and grandmothers raving about the benefits of ghee. If you noticed, our elders belonged to simpler lives and practiced manual labor but still have youthful, glowing skin. And if you have ever asked them how they are still so robust well into their late 70s, the most common answer you’ll get is them crediting desi ghee. In their times, adding a dollop of ghee in their glass of warm milk with turmeric helped them overcome harsh winters and avoid most illnesses. Food items were cooked in ghee, and in many regions, the practice is still prevalent. Today’s Sahiwal Cow A2 ghee has emerged as one of the most nutritious brands that proudly makes Indian households healthier. So what makes desi ghee so unique that there is not a single home that doesn’t swear by it? Let’s take a glance at the health benefits of desi ghee:
Keeps the skin looking youthful: Desi ghee has natural collagen-boosting properties, which can maintain the skin’s elasticity for a long time. Apart from being consumed in food items and desserts, desi ghee is also applied directly to the skin as a treatment for several skin conditions, especially during winters when the skin tends to dry and crack.
Boosts the immune system: Eating a little desi ghee every day will serve your immunity a long way. Known for its healing properties since ancient times, desi ghee is also referred to as “Amrit”, which means nectar of immortality.
Improved digestion: Ghee is a common ingredient in meals across India and South Asian homes as it helps maintain intestinal health. This means that it helps you digest food better and assimilate the nutrients of each meal in a better capacity.
Helps chase away insomnia: Can’t fall asleep at night? Insomnia is at an all-time high due to lifestyle changes and work-life stress. Indigenous culture advises adding a teaspoon of desi ghee to warm milk before bedtime, which guarantees a good night’s sleep.
Keeps the winter chill away: Winters can be particularly jarring in many parts of the country. However, desi ghee being naturally full of healthy fats helps you stay warm inside even in the coldest temperatures.
Desi Ghee and cholesterol
The main area of concern that many westerners express is ghee being harmful to cholesterol levels. Yes, desi ghee is rich in fat. However, the high concentration of monounsaturated Omega-3s makes this fat healthy to consume and great for health. The fatty acids present in desi ghee can help your cardiovascular system when eaten in moderation. Research has proven that consuming ghee along with a healthy diet can bring down unhealthy levels of cholesterol in people, promoting heart health.
Wrapping Up: Balance is Key with Desi Ghee!
As you’ve read in our article, desi ghee has a world of benefits to offer. From being an incredible flavor enhancer in home-cooked meals to helping us live healthier lives, the list is never ending. However, as the saying goes, everything in moderation is necessary to live well. The same stands true for Sahiwal Cow A2 ghee, which can help you glow from the inside out. Make sure that you don’t consume more than two-three teaspoons in a day to keep harmful cholesterol at bay, and your body will thank you for the love! We hope you found our article illuminating; we’ll be back with more healthy eating reads shortly!