GHEE AND AYURVEDA
Ghee is a super food in its true sense. Unfortunately, it is surrounded by so many myths that little do we hear about its immense health benefits. We all have been told that Ghee is fattening, is difficult to digest, increases cholesterol and what not. On the contrary, Ghee helps reduce weight as it contains Omega 3 and CLA, is much easier to digest and most importantly, it is filled with unsaturated fats making it lighter on the heart.
Ayurveda makes ghee an essential part of our daily diet. We all remember how our Dadi/Nani never served us Roti/Paratha or Rice/Khichdi without adding ghee. They were well aware of the role ghee plays in our body. Not just Ghee, but every ingredient in our grandmother's kitchen not just added flavor but played an important role in providing us with the essential nutrients.
THE BILONA PROCESS
Ayurveda lays special emphasis on the process of making ghee. Raw milk is boiled gradually and then it is fermented to make Dahi or Curd. The curd is then churned gradually to extract Makhan which is then heated on a slow flame to make Desi Bilona Ghee.
Ghee is made from a long process of clarification and as a result it contains a good combination of short, medium and long chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. These are helpful in various metabolic processes in our body. It is easier to digest, has higher amounts of Omega 3, 6 & 9. It is filled with essential Vitamins A, D, E and K.
Ghee Contents
Ghee made using this process is loaded with unsaturated fats Omega 3, 6 & 9, Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), Butyric acid, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Essential fats – Alpha Linolenic Acid & Linoleic Acid and Fat soluble vitamins – A, D, E & K.
Ghee has higher levels of Unsaturated Fat (45%) which helps in maintaining a healthy heart, has higher levels of MCT (20%) which can help prevent diabetes, atherosclerosis and aids weight loss. It has an ideal Omega 6 to 3 ratio – 2:1
BENEFITS OF BILONA GHEE
Smoking Point: Ghee has a higher smoking point then butter and oil and that makes it much better for a variety of cooking and sautéing needs.
Absorption Rate: Ghee contains the ideal ratio of MUFA & PUFA and this gives it the highest absorption rate of all oils & fats at 96%.
MCT: They are unique because they are absorbed directly from your intestines into the liver and provide instant energy. Unlike other fats, excess amounts are not stored by the body as fat.
Butyric Acid: It is a short-chain fatty acid that acts as a detoxifier, improving digestion and colon health. It supports healthy insulin levels, is an anti-inflammatory and may be helpful for individuals suffering from IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Vitamin A: It is a powerful antioxidant. It improves immunity, fights inflammation, anti-ageing properties, and good for eyes, hair and skin.
Vitamin D: Healthy Bones, regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in blood, reduce risk of diabetes and healthy pregnancy.
Vitamin E: Moisturizes skin, prevents skin cancer, thickens hair and balances cholesterol.
Vitamin K2: It is essential for body to utilize minerals and development bones, calcification of the arteries.
