Ghee is a term from Sanskrit that refers to clarified butter used mainly in Indian cuisine. It contains for the most part butter fat and only trace amounts of water and milk solids. It is prepared by simmering melted butter and allowing the milk solids to brown slightly. Ghee is used widely in Indian and South Asian recipes; it is used also by the best French chefs. It is an oil with a long, and interesting history, it has been a staple in Indian cooking for centuries.
It is more beneficial than butter and is stable at room temperature. Ghee can be kept on the kitchen shelf because it doesn't require refrigeration after opening. It does not burn easily because it has a higher smoking point than butter. It is considered a saturated fat, since it is derived from animals.
Some benefits of Ghee:
- It can be used instead of butter, so you can eat it on toast for breakfast or use in recipes
- It can be used instead of cooking oil
- It is a good lubricant for the eyes and an enhancer of sight, it is suggested to be used each morning directly in your eyes (apply a small amount on the lacrimal and extend)
- It is non-fattening, although overweight people should use it sparingly
- Ghee balances the fluids / bodily waste (feces, urine and sweat)
- It is a good vehicle for transport at the cellular level
- It helps digestion
Ghee is a remarkable staple for athletes, especially when combined with Omega-3 oils. It is used in healthy cooking, herb combinations, and oil therapies. Ghee is used internally, but also serves as a carrier for ayurvedic medicines and as an ointment base. It is a very effective carrier of herbs and spices as it is able to pass fat-permeable cell membranes.
Ghee is recommended for healing digestive disorders. It is steady and dependable, nourishing and healing and always supportive of life and living. It is recommended for people who are unable to drink milk or eat cheese, because it is salt and lactose free.
Ghee should have positive effects on the skin. It is suggested to massage rough and dry skin with warm Ghee. Its popularity goes beyond India, it is also used in Pakistan, Southeast Asia, Egypt, Ethiopia and the Arab world.
References:
Homemade ghee
Ghee
Ghee - What is it?
Ghee Nutrition: Benefits of the Indian Clarified Butter
Clarified Butter and Butter Ghee
