My favorite discovery in the kitchen this year is ghee – a clarified butter that has many health benefits. It is now my go-to ingredient for sauteing everything.
I used to use olive oil until I discovered that it should never be heated because at low to medium temperatures, its antioxidants convert to free radicals, which are detrimental to your healthy cells. In addition, when it does reach its smoke point on the stove, the smoke itself is toxic and should not be inhaled. We should only be using olive oil to dress our food after it’s been prepared! This is true for all oils, but there are some oils which have higher smoke points, which make them more acceptable. But I have found I can use ghee pretty much everywhere without reaching its smoke point, so it’s become my ingredient of choice.
In addition, ghee turns out to be healthy. According to Care2 and other sources:
- Ghee has a high smoke point (250 °C 482 °F) so you can cook and fry with ghee and it will not break down into free radicals like many other oils.
- Ghee does not spoil easily so it doesn’t need refrigeration. Store in a dark, cool place as light and air will degrade it.
- Buttery taste without causing dairy allergies. Ghee is made from butter but the milk solids and impurities have been removed so most people who are lactose or casein intolerant have no issue with ghee.
- Ghee is rich in the oil soluble vitamins A and E.
- Ghee is rich in K2 and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) – an antioxidant with anti-viral properties if it is sourced from grass-fed cows.
- Digestion and Immune Strengthening. Research shows that adequate production of butyric acid supports the production of killer T cells in the gut, and thus a strong immune system. Ghee (unlike other oils) is rich in butyric acid. A healthy body makes its own form of ‘ghee’ but you can aid that greatly by just consuming it.
- Healthy Digestive Tract. Ghee stimulates the secretion of gastric acid, thus aiding in the digestive process. Better digestion equals better health and weight loss.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer.
- Researchers are using oral butyrate supplements and butyrate enemas to treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
- Ayurvedic physicians have been using ghee enemas for centuries to decrease inflammation.
- Molecules of Emotion. Modern research is now revealing that negative emotions have a chemical nature. This is what ancient cultures have always maintained – that the mind and body are one. These chemicals are attracted to and stored in fat. Ghee can be used to replace those fats. Plus, if used properly in a cleanse, can attract and pull out these emotional toxins so that they can be cleansed from the body.
- Positive Food. Within Ayurveda, ghee is considered one of the most satvic foods. Satvic foods promote positivity, growth and expansion of consciousness.
