Desi ghee is a daily staple in most Pakistani households and a daily ingredient in many Pakistani and Middle Eastern cuisines. A by-product of pure cow milk, it’s a clear and more organic form of butter. Its production includes treating cow milk at a low temperature, which allows it to retain more nutrients than normal butter. Pure desi ghee is rich in vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids.
It’s also common in India as an ingredient of herbal medicines in Ayurveda due to its healing properties. In recent times, studies have shown that desi ghee has many health benefits as well. Moreover, research suggests that pure desi ghee is rich in vitamins, and hence, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought or regular butter.
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Nutritional Information
Desi ghee has zero carbs, so it’s useful for those on a high-fat diet such as keto. Furthermore, it’s a good source of vitamins such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
These vitamins are essential for your overall health. Specifically, Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which can reduce arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and cataract. The high percentage of fat on ghee is not all bad as well. It contains Omega-3 acids and Omega-9 fatty acids that are good for your heart and even helpful in losing weight.
8 Surprising Benefits of Desi Ghee
1. Natural Immunity booster
Desi ghee consists of a short-chain fatty acid known as butyrate. These help in maintaining gut health and boost immunity. Antioxidants present in ghee make your body absorb more nutrients which increases immunity as well.
2. Helps with weight loss
Desi ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid. Research suggests that it can reduce stubborn body fat. In addition to this, it improves metabolism by cleansing your body of toxins. A healthy diet consists of fat, protein, and carbohydrates in a moderate amount. For those looking to lose weight, ghee is a more viable alternative to canola oil, however, use it in moderation as its overuse can be detrimental to your health. A Nutritionist in Karachi can devise a diet plan for you and guide you on how much desi ghee your body requires as per your diet.
3. Promotes digestion and intestinal health
Due to the presence of butyric acid in desi ghee, it acts as an energy source for your gut. It acts as a natural laxative and can soothe the digestive system. It also breaks down food more effectively once it reaches your digestion tract. Moreover, it can also lubricate it to improve bowel movements.
4. Healthy for your heart
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are known to promote heart health and lessen the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 fats or healthy fats turn into energy for the body instead of being stored as fats. If taken in moderation, it can help turn bad cholesterol into good cholesterol.
5. Provides Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for a healthy body and has many benefits for the human body, such as eye health, acne-prone skin, bones, and reproduction. As per Healthline, Vitamin A benefits the reproductive health of both men and women. Consuming vitamin A can prevent blockage or the development of sperm cells. Similarly, it’s a great food to add to your diet if you’re pregnant because desi ghee supports the health and development of your unborn child if taken in small quantities.
6. A natural skincare product
Many organic skincare products contain desi ghee due to its benefits for the skin. It moisturizes and rejuvenates your skin by hydrating it. People with dry skin can benefit from it because the vital fatty acids in desi ghee can nourish your skin. It also works as a treatment for eczema in babies. In addition to that, its common uses also include treating burns, wounds, acne, etc. due to its anti-inflammatory properties
7. Good for your hair
Sick of hair loss? Well, no need to worry! Desi ghee supports hair growth, thanks to its oily consistency. Using desi ghee for your hair provides moisture to the scalp, making it dandruff-free and clean. Applying warm ghee to your hair also improves the blood circulation in your hair follicles which supports the growth of health and thick new hair.
8. A better alternative to lactose
Production of desi ghee involves removing milk curds from cow milk until it has a clear consistency. It means that it has only traces of lactose which do not disturb those with lactose intolerant. Hence, it’s a good fat source for lactose intolerant individuals.
Possible side effects of desi ghee
Everything works better when done in moderation. Even though desi ghee has components, such as nutrients, energy, and many other benefits, it can still be harmful if consumed in excess. Individuals with an underlying heart condition may aggravate their condition by using a lot of ghee.
Nutritionists suggest that you should limit your ghee intake to 10 % of your diet or 2 to 3 tablespoons a day. Moreover, those who already have high cholesterol should be aware of the side effects of having too much ghee in their condition. They should limit their intake to less than one tablespoon of ghee per day.
Where can I find desi ghee?
Desi ghee is an everyday commodity found in almost all parts of the subcontinent. It’s easily available at grocery stores, and many online vendors provide them as well. Ghee brought from the store is often not as healthy as homemade ghee as it contains additives and preservatives to increase shelf life.
If you want to use ghee to its full potential, it’s better to make it fresh at home. Alternatively, buying it directly from a vendor who provides homemade, fresh desi ghee is better than buying it from the door.
Ultimate DIY Ghee mask for dry skin
Now that you know the many benefits of ghee for the skin. Here is a simple do-it-yourself ghee mask that you can make at home.
Step 1: Add 2 tablespoons of Haldi or besan in 2 tablespoons of ghee and water.
Step 2: Mix the paste well. The consistency should not be too watery. You can add more Haldi and besan if it’s too runny.
Step 3: Wash your face and apply the mask on your face.
Step 4: Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with cold water after that. Repeat thrice to get the best results.
Conclusion
Desi ghee is a nutritious superfood. It promotes your overall health and helps in boosting your immune system. On the other hand, overuse of ghee can be problematic. It does have some side effects that may cause weight gain, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular issues. Consult your doctor to know how much ghee is suitable for you.
