You may have heard of it without knowing what it is, and you’ve likely had it before without realizing it. The short answer is that Ghee is clarified butter. But the story doesn’t end there. Not only does ghee have far-reaching cultural and spiritual implications, it is also a delicious addition for those who are seeking to eat more anti-inflammatory foods. It can even be used as a topical to treat minor burns and swelling. The health benefits of ghee are not widely known, but they should be.
A large portion of the health ailments facing Americans today stem from inflammation. It is becoming mainstream knowledge that people can reduce inflammation in their bodies by adjusting their diet, and avoiding inflammatory foods. Chronic inflammation ailments such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, depression, and heart disease are rampant in our society, but we are starting to learn how to prevent such ailments, or at least stave them off a little longer.
Ghee has been around since ancient times, initially as a way to preserve butter. Clarified butter has a much longer shelf-life than butter, as ancient people of India discovered while struggling to keep butter fresh in their hotter climate. The incredible health benefits of this liquid gold were a happy surprise. To top it all off, it’s exquisitely delicious beyond imagination.
When one first opens their mind to the undiscovered bounty that is Ghee and all its wonders, it is crucial to remember that, while Ghee has some astounding health benefits, it is still a fat. Regular butter has about 60% saturated fat, and Ghee has 50%. It is a fatty food, and must be used in moderation. To get the most out of Ghee, it’s best to start by using it instead of butter whenever possible. It works well for sautés, in baking, or even a small spoonful in a bowl of oatmeal. Melt it onto your mashed potatoes. It tastes incredible!
Ghee may be hard to find in a conventional supermarket. Fortunately, it can be found in my farm store.
