7 Effective Benefits of Ghee for Pregnancy - Shahjighee

Consumption of desi ghee is considered beneficial during pregnancy. Charaka Samhita, a well-known ancient text, recommends it as the best among all cooking oils. Ghee is a storehouse of nutrients, rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It is also rich in Omega 3, omega 6, and butyric acid. Many famous nutritionists, dieticians, and fitness experts swear by desi ghee.

During pregnancy, the expecting woman usually has laddoos and panjeeri made in desi ghee by her mother or mother-in-law because it is said to provide nourishment to her and the baby inside her womb. Ghee is vital for gut health and helps balance Vata, pitta, and Kapha, thereby improving immunity.

7 Benefits of Ghee for Pregnancy

Let us have a look at the benefits of ghee intake during pregnancy.

1. Ghee promotes better digestion

Pregnant women often suffer from poor digestion. To this effect, ghee is recommended for them because it has Butyric Acid, a short chain fatty acid beneficial for intestines and colon cells and overall digestive health. A few spoonfuls of this magic ingredient effectively flush out toxins from the body and give a thrust to digestion and immunity.

2. Fights stress and post-partum blues

Leading nutritionists recommend ghee in weight loss diets. It is vital for maintaining hormonal balance. Women undergo a lot of stress-related issues, and ghee is conducive to their health and immunity. During pregnancy, ghee intake will help fight free radicals and oxidative stress through Vitamins and butyrate. It will help the body be lethargy-free, and pregnancy blues will be at bay.

3. Satisfies the taste buds and helps avoid junk food

Ghee enhances the taste and smell of every dish. It is a tasty source of good fat. A pregnant woman requires about 200-300 extra calories daily vis-a-vis other people. A little amount of it in the tadka or on top of the chappati will give necessary calories. Dry-fruit laddoos cooked in ghee are often given during pregnancy to aid in nourishment and healthily satisfy food cravings during pregnancy. Ghee effectively keeps off pregnant moms from junk food.

4. Supports healthy skin

Ghee has a moisturising effect. It hydrates the skin and is often an ingredient in Ayurvedic massage packs. It is known for its healing properties in swelling, wounds, cuts, and burns. Pregnant women often suffer from swelling and require special massages. Ghee massage will benefit them immensely because of being rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

5. Is helpful in the development of the unborn baby

Ghee has omega-3 fatty acid DHA which is good for memory and cognitive abilities. Ghee is a vitamin-rich superfood recommended for the expecting mom. It will boost the proper growth of the baby in the womb. It comprises healthy fats and will aid in the baby’s brain development because the human brain is made of fats. Also, Vitamins A, D, and K present in ghee aid in bone development.

You can read more about the benefits of ghee for babies

6. Boosts metabolism and post-delivery weight loss

Ghee aids in boosting metabolism during pregnancy and burning unwanted fat post delivery. This is because ghee is rich in DHA and CLA. Ghee is essential in fat loss diets nowadays.

7. Boosts overall immunity and helps in the flow of breast milk

Vitamin K2 found in desi cow ghee protects against blockages of the arteries that can be caused by calcium deposits. This ensures proper blood flow. The CLA present in ghee is known to bring down bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. As mentioned already, ghee helps in digestion and reduces inflammation as well as oxidative stress.

So, it boosts immunity which is essential during the vulnerable phase of pregnancy. Since the olden days, ghee intake has been considered to help in a smooth delivery. Foods like Panjeeri cooked in ghee are given to aid in the flow of breast milk.

Conclusion

Ghee, popular now as “the healing oil” in western countries, is often recommended to be taken with milk. However, it can also be taken by those who are lactose intolerant because it is devoid of milk solids. It is advisable to consult the doctor for ghee dosage in case the expecting mother’s weight is on the higher side.