#HealthBytes: Top 10 health benefits of desi ghee
What's the story
An all-time favorite of Indian households, particularly in the North, desi, home-made ghee has, of late, started losing its old charm and popularity as more and more people are moulding their choices to Western alternatives.
Though these oils are actually quite healthy, that doesn't mean reasonable consumption of ghee isn't.
Here are top 10 health benefits of desi ghee.
Information
Important points to note
There are important points to note before incorporating ghee in your diet. Firstly, keep in mind that your daily fat consumption shouldn't exceed 10-15 grams. Secondly, it's best to avoid ghee if you have a history of cardiovascular diseases, are overweight, or obese.
Benefits Set 1
Ghee is a vitamin storehouse, and is good for heart-health
With so many essential vitamins like A, E, D, and K, ghee helps you stay away from allergens, and contributes in general well-being.
Additionally, ghee can be good for your heart health, provided you don't have a history of or existing cardiovascular diseases.
Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps avoid fat build-up in your arteries, and keeps your cardiovascular health in check.
Benefits Set 2
Ghee is good for eyes, and works as a body-cleanser
Vitamin A is crucial for your eye health. Ghee being such a great source of it ensures that your eyes stay healthy for as long as there's life.
Ghee is also known to have cleansing properties as it helps remove toxins from your body, and clears your complexion. So, to look younger, it helps to have ghee regularly.
Benefits Set 3
Ghee is also good for digestion and mental health
A good digestion system is vital for staying healthy in a general sense. Ghee has a high butyric acid content that helps in healing your gut lining, and improves your digestive system.
Apart from its effects on physical health and performance, ghee has also shown positive results in reducing stress and boosting one's mental health.
Benefits Set 4
Ghee has good cholesterol, and is free from lactose
One's goal should be to include foods high in good cholesterol in their diet, and reduce the ones with bad cholesterol. Desi ghee, notably, is a better alternative to butter in this sense.
Also, when compared to other dairy products, ghee is astonishingly lactose-free, thus it's also good for people with lactose intolerance.
Benefits Set 5
Ghee also aids in weight loss, and has anti-cancer properties
It may come as a surprise but, many claim that ghee helps in weight loss, mainly because of the presence of the CLA.
Additionally, Ayurvedic practitioners promote intake of ghee for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Since such claims haven't been proven, it's best to take them with a 'pinch of salt'.
However, ghee (in moderation) overall remains a healthy choice.