Benefits of ghee
• IT MAY HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS.
Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which, according to various studies, could assist with weight loss by reducing the mass of body fat. But don’t overdo it! Ghee is high in calories and rich in fat, so too much will defeat all weight-loss efforts.
• IT’S HIGH IN HEALTHY FATTY ACIDS. Ghee has high volumes of monounsaturated omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids. These medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are healthy fats that are reported to place less strain on the liver and gallbladder. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are absorbed directly by the liver and burnt to provide energy – for athletes, it can be a great source of energy. Energy from MCFAs also burns other fats in the system, which leads to weight loss. These fatty acids also play a role in good cardiovascular health.
Although ghee is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease, you should be aware that if you have other co-morbidities that increase your chances of heart disease, you’ll need to be cautious with the quantity of ghee you eat.
Apart from its contribution to a healthy heart, the omega-3 fatty acids found in ghee can also play a role in lowering inflammation.
• IT’S RICH IN VITAMINS. Ghee is a great source of vitamins A, C, D, E and K. As a fatsoluble vitamin, vitamin A is vital for good eye and skin health and a healthy immune system. Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant and is believed to have anticarcinogenic properties. It also helps to reduce the risk of cataracts and arthritis.
• IT CONTAINS MINIMAL LACTOSE. Because ghee is made by removing milk solids, it has very little lactose and casein, so it’s a good source of fat if you’re lactose-intolerant. Remember, though, that ghee is not dairy-free.
• IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR COLON. Ghee contains butyrate, or butyric acid – in fact, it’s thought to have the highest butyric concentration of all foods, including butter. This is a big deal, because if you suffer from colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, other bowel issues or colon damage, ghee can help, because it will help with bile production and the breakdown and digestion of fats. It may also improve insulin resistance and stabilise your blood sugar, as your colon cells favour butyrate as a source of fuel. ■