Indulge in the goodness of ghee, this winter
Winter is a season of indulgence. Hot paranthas with a dollop of ghee and a seasonal vegetable or saag to go with it is the #wintergrub we crave for. Delicacies are aplenty during this time of the year, and so are health, skin and hair woes. But if you have cut ghee completely from your diet thinking it will make you gain weight, you have reasons to reconsider your decision.
Health benefits of ghee are numerous, but people often shun it, consider it unhealthy and a reason for high cholesterol. This, experts say, is nothing but a myth. “Ghee contains good fats or good cholesterol, which are not associated with heart disease or stroke. Unlike other fatty acids, the ones present in ghee are directly absorbed by the body as energy and are not stored as fat. Ghee lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. For an average person, consuming two tablespoons of ghee everyday will neither invite the risk of heart disease nor elevate the levels of cholesterol. But those with obesity or other pre-existing health issues should limit consumption to one teaspoon a day,” says nutritionist Manisha Chopra.
Another common assumption about ghee is that it is fattening. “Contrary to popular
perception, ghee is an appetite suppressor, as it keeps one full for long and limits cravings. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins A, D, E and K, and omega-3 and 6, ghee helps to increase lean body mass and reduce fat mass, so it aids weight loss,” explains dietitian Garima Goyal.
An excellent source of energy, this powerhouse of nutrients helps strengthen the immune system and fight infections. “A clogged, mucusfilled nose is one of the first symptoms of cold, which leaves one feeling uncomfortable at all times. Pouring one drop of lukewarm desi ghee into the nostrils can help clear the nasal passage,” adds Goyal.
A natural moisturiser, ghee, when regularly consumed, also helps keep the skin soft and replenished, and heals chapped lips, says sports nutritionist Ridhima Batra.