Most of us have this precious practice of adding ghee to our meals or while cooking. Just a few drops of ghee and the whole meal reaches its next level of taste and satisfies the senses. It’s either used directly on chapati, rice, soups or used as a cooking medium for vegetables, dals etc. Ghee has been extensively used from Vedic times in India for cooking, medicinal and cosmetics purposes too.

Ghee definitely offers some health benefits and hence should not be ignored. Though ghee is a rich source of energy and essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, it still has a negative remark because of its high saturated and cholesterol content. Ghee is said to be digested up to 96% in the body compared to any other oil sources. Other than adding a pleasant aroma to the food and having higher shelf life because of low moisture, it has many biological functions which are listed below.

Ghee is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. As known, fat is required for easy absorption of these vitamins and so ghee acts as a good carrier.
Ghee contains many fatty acids like Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), short chain fatty acids like (Butyric acid), Sphingomyelins etc. which are anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherogenic and help in prevention of chronic diseases.
Butyric acid present in ghee helps in digestion. Generally gut bacteria produce butyric acid by converting fiber. Hence, ghee consumption can promote positive digestive health.
Since impurities and milk solids are removed, those who are intolerant to casein and lactose can consume ghee comfortably.
Some potential constituents in ghee like calcium, magnesium, antioxidant vitamins A, D, E have anti-diabetic properties and addition of ghee to the meals also slows down glucose release.
As ghee is also a source of vitamin A, it helps in maintaining moisture in the outer lining of the eye and reduces the risk of blindness. Also with lubricating function, ghee helps in rejuvenating the eye.
Ghee has wound healing properties and is found to promote collagen formation. This property enhances skin health and delays aging.

Ghee is one of the versatile fats available. In India, ghee has been in use from ages and is closely associated with a satisfactory meal. When consumed in moderation, ghee can yield extensive benefits and hence, one can safely consume ghee regularly and it’s important to opt for organic or pure ghee over other processed and chemically treated ones. Therefore, this golden elixir is indeed a gifted boon!