Lucknow : For Indians, ghee is a religious matter rather than a food item. Ghee has dominated most Indian kitchens for centuries. Use of ghee in sweets is viewed by customers as the symbol of their quality and richness.
But the metabolic epidemic comprising of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension (metabolic syndrome X) which have emerged in the recent decades in India has put a question mark on this Indian favorite cooking medium.
Ghee is often deemed as a hurdle in our weight loss journey. It is ousted as fattening and unhealthy, which it may indeed be if it is had without a portion control. However, if you are consuming ghee within an ideal range, it is, in fact, very healthy for you.
Pure ghee only contains fatty acids which are short chain. They have many benefits and provide energy for the cell lining of your colon. So, here we take a look at why ghee is the new superfood you need in your weight loss journey.
Why ghee is healthy for you
One tablespoon (15g) of ghee has approximately 135 calories, all of which come from fat. That small amount of ghee has 15 grams of total fat and 9 grams of saturated fat, or 45% of the recommended daily value. A tablespoon of ghee also has 45 milligrams of cholesterol, or 15% of the daily value. Ghee is free of sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar and protein.. It is loaded with vitamins A, D, E and K.
Ghee is also very rich in dietary fats. In order for these vitamins to be digested, they need to combine with fat molecules as they are fat soluble. Ghee also provides these fat molecules in the form of dietary filber.
Together, they get absorbed easily by our bodies and hence, these nutrients can be used by our bodies.There are many, many benefits of consuming pure home-made ghee. If you consume pure home-made ghee on a regular basis, it will boost your mental as well as physical strength. This will help in keeping your body fit and fighting off illnesses.
Besides this, ghee is also known as a body cleanser as it removes impurities from your body. It strengthens your eyesight, your muscles and tendons.
As far as people with cholesterol problems are concerned, shelves in the grocery markets are filled with cholesterol free oils. However, ghee is also a good option when you compare it with butter because it is lower in fats than butter.
Ghee can also be had by those who have a lactose intolerance. It is also free of salt.
Ghee and weight loss
A recent trend among weight loss watchers is favouring the consumption of ghee. This is because ghee is low in fats and is easier to digest. In fact, ghee is known to stimulate the digestive process and is likely to aid in weight loss. It also restores balance to your mind and will boost the functioning of your brain.The fats that are present in ghee have a lot of benefits. Certain fats are needed by body which are essential to perform vital functions such as supporting your nervous, skin and mental health, protecting your stomach lining from the digestive acids and strengthening cell membranes. All these functions are performed by ghee.
Avoid ghee if you have a history of cardiovascular diseases, are overweight or obese.