Health Benefits of Cow ghee, Nutrition, Uses and Risk

Are you a fan of applying ghee to your rotis? Or just simply pouring it onto your curries? Well, it enhances the taste of the meal, but what you do not know is, it additionally provides you with a lot of health benefits. That is why our grandmothers or mothers dip that extra spoonful of ghee into our meals. Even the study shows that 30-35% of milk in India is converted into ghee. As it has been an integral part of Indian food and culture. Considering its amazing benefits, this blog is all about sharing knowledgeable information on the benefits of Cow ghee.

For those who don’t know, what is cow ghee? And what significance does it hold in Ayurveda?

Ghee is a clarified butter. It is popular in the culinary traditions of the Middle East and India. The butter is treated in low heat until the water evaporates and only solids of milk are left behind. This is then strained if needed. What remains behind after this process is only a clarified liquid fat. This is termed as Ghee. Just because it was treated on a low flame, it retains more nutrients as compared to the clarified butter. The pure cow ghee color is with a hint of yellowish or golden tone.

Ayurvedic Perspective:

Some Ayurvedic doctors (vedas) use ghee along with herbal medications as a part of remedy or treatment. It has gained a lot of attention as a more nutritious and advantageous alternative to your standard butter. Ayurveda indicates that ghee made from milk of different animal species can be used for various functional purposes. Out of all, cow ghee uses has the highest mentions. It is due to its nourishing and rejuvenating properties.

Now, for thousands of years, Ghee and Ayurveda have had a very close relationship. It is excellent for balancing Vata and Pitta related doshas. It is also placed under sattvic foods. Furthermore, all other benefits that it possesses for human health will be discussed further.

Ghee vs. Butter

Nutritional Profile of Cow Ghee

Let’s dig in and find from where these benefits of ghee arise. The answer to this lies behind a chart of desi cow ghee nutrition.

In just one tablespoon of ghee, the study has found that it contains:

What is A2 Cow Ghee?

Have you heard about A2 ghee all over the networking surf? Here it is explained in simple terms for better understanding.

A1 and A2 are the 2 terms that refer to the content of protein present in the milk. This completely depends on the breed of the cow. While all the cows produce some percent of a2 beta-casein in their milk, certain breeds predominant the production. If we compare, the studies show that western cow breeds produce more A1 protein and the desi Indian breed produces more A2. Out of all, the most known is the Gir breed.

A2 cow ghee is much healthier and more nutritious than your normal ghee. That is why it is considered as a superfood. The health benefits it holds include:

Easy to digest:

This type of ghee is so much easier for our bodies to digest. This is because the standard type is combined with both a1 and a2 proteins. For those who do not know - this type of protein is similar to human breast milk. Therefore, it is thought to cause less inflammation and digestive discomfort.

Rich in nutrients:

To support cardiovascular health, it is known to contain omega-3 fatty acids in it. Also, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and other micronutrients can be found.

Other:

Slow down aging, improving skin & hair, and fast recovery from an injury. These are some examples of the benefits of a2 cow ghee for mankind.

Benefits of Eating Ghee Daily

Digestive Health

Consumption of ghee is equal to a healthy Gut. This has to happen as ghee stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. Which then helps with the easy breakdown of food.

By providing a natural lubricant to the digestive tract, it ensures regular bowel movement and ease from constipation (if you are facing it). Also, ghee benefits for weight gain. It contains healthy fats and, thus, can be used as a secret ingredient in your weight gain journey.

For consumption: add a tablespoon in your black coffee, warm rice, lentils, soups, on top of rotis, etc.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

One of the fatty acids butyrate is present in ghee. Its main advantage is that it fights inflammation in the body, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, providing relief from any burning sensation you’re facing.

Additionally, being rich in antioxidants makes it a good source of reducing inflammation in different parts of the body. This includes joints, skin, bone, liver, etc. This way it helps reduce joint pain, and prevent chronic diseases from worsening, e.g., eczema (a skin disease).

Boosting Immunity

Yes, you read that right! Ghee is considered an immunity booster due to the nutrients and properties it contains. It has the power to strengthen the body from within. Studies have found that ghee is rich in antioxidants, this property prevents the body from producing free radicals. Therefore, saving itself from various chronic diseases.
Despite antioxidants, we read above about how ghee is full of vitamins. This is the reason for a strong immune system. With its regular consumption, it will become easier for our body to fight off seasonal diseases and promote our body’s antibody response.

Skin and Hair Health

Looking for natural remedies to add to your self-care routine? Undoubtedly, ghee can be one of them. Want to know why? Here it is:

• The fatty acids in it will help you with hydration and moisturizing of the skin and scalp.
• You can also directly apply it to your chapped lips.
• Vitamin E is already popular for reducing the effects of aging. Also, it holds the capability to condition the hair and scalp. That is what is found in ghee.
• Its nutrients will effortlessly nourish your hair follicles and provide strength and shine to them.

These were the cow ghee benefits for skin and hair. It is a simple and fantastic way to boost up your self-care game.

Risks of Cow Ghee

Well, we have already learned so much about the benefits that ghee holds for our health. But this does not mean we have to overconsume it for fast results. Each thing should be incorporated into life in moderation. Only then one can avail true benefits, else, it can pose some risks as well. In case of overconsumption of ghee, here’s what you will have to face:

• It is calorie-dense. Consuming too much will lead to weight gain followed by obesity.
• People with fatty liver problems or jaundice should stay alert from overconsumption of ghee. Its high-fat content can put strain on the liver and worsen your condition.
• Ghee contains 50% of saturated fat. This can easily increase the bad cholesterol,i.e., LDL, and posing a risk to heart health.

Takeaway

To sum up this blog, we would recommend our readers to opt for healthier choices of food for long-lasting fitness. Ayurveda, our ancient healing system is based on the same theory. Where it guides and makes people understand how important a healthy lifestyle and the right nutritional choices are to keep diseases and illnesses at bay.

All the secret benefits shared related to cow ghee are based on research and studies. It is safe to consume for everyone, however, you must ask your doctor once if you have any health-related concerns.