To Ghee or Not to Ghee – That is the Question, but What is the Right Answer?
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By Anita Mehta
To Ghee or Not to Ghee – That is the Question, but What is the Right Answer?
If your focus is health, wellbeing and embracing a better quality of life, then you have likely already heard of GHEE and its numerous benefits. Used in Indian cooking for thousands of years, it is simply a clarified form of butter, heated to the point that the milk and water solids have separated and then removed, making it ideal for those lactose intolerant. Ketogenic and paleo diet friendly, it has a rich, nutty and caramelized type of flavoring, requiring no refrigeration. Ghee made from cow’s milk is the best and readily available in grocery stores.
With its high levels of vitamin A, D, E, K, and CLA, a known anti-carcinogen, ghee delivers powerful benefits. It has been shown to rejuvenate and revitalize the whole body – from boosting immunity, decreasing inflammation, contributing to heart health, improving vision and promoting healthy hair and skin. If that isn’t enough to convince you – it can even support weight loss as its amino acids help increase lean body mass while reducing the size of fat cells. Essentially ghee acts as an instant energy source and is not stored as fat.
Ghee can be easily incorporated in your daily routine, either by itself or in cooking. You can take 1 tsp on an empty stomach each morning or blend into your tea, coffee or smoothie. Using a blender to mix in the ghee creates a smooth, rich consistency, but without the dairy. Easily used in stir fry’s, soups or pasta- it has a high smoke point, making it a healthier replacement to oils with a lower smoke point. When an oil is thoroughly heated, it begins to smoke, break down and become oxidized. Research has shown that consuming oil that has been oxidized may create free radicals within the body, increasing the risk for developing cancer.
With so much to offer, it would appear to be a super food, however it is still high in saturated fat and should be used in moderation ideally 1-2 tsp a day, enough to still reap its wonderful rewards.
Turmeric Latte
- 1 cup milk (dairy, coconut, almond, soy)
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp ghee
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground fennel seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Whisk milk, spices, honey, ghee, and water in a small saucepan and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes.
Chocolate Fruit Dip
Over low heat, stir together 1 tsp ghee, 1 tsp coconut oil, ½ tsp raw honey, and a handful of dark-chocolate chips until melted.
References
What Is Ghee and What Are Its Benefits?
By Nicole Leatherman, Nutrition Writer and Editor
https://www.bijouxandbits.com/2017/01/golden-milk-recipe-turmeric-tea
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/creative-ways-use-ghee
https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/ghee-better-than-butter
https://www.hindustantimes.com/fitness/ghee-for-weight-loss-nutrition-benefits-and-when-to-have-it/story-ufkPObq1I9NqOYqAZsnLWM.html
https://milkio.co.nz/ghee-smoke-point/
Anita embraces a variety of interests ranging from mentoring, travel & event planning, cooking, writing and volunteering. Previously having worked in financial services, she now enjoys the freedom and versatility each day brings.