Food is always been a difficult subject. It\’s especially become difficult when you\’re trying to talk about, explain, and vouch for the benefits of traditional foods. Ummm, Okay, anyway.
Now, make a list of all the ingredients and food items that are making a comeback on our kitchen shelves: hand-pounded rice, cold-pressed cooking oils, unpolished pulses, flour, and the list goes on and on, but wait! Where is the Desi Ghee? You forget it. Very Bad.
In this article, we will discuss various aspects of Desi Ghee like, what is desi ghee?, Desi Ghee benefits, Desi Ghee in traditional texts, making process, Desi Ghee in Ayurveda, some myths related to Desi Ghee and many more. So lets get started…
What is Desi Ghee?
Desi ghee: Desi ghee is a type of clarified butter that is made from the milk of grass-fed cows. It is an important part of Indian cuisine and is used in many dishes.Desi ghee is known for its nutty flavor and is often used as a cooking oil, as well as an ingredient in many Indian sweets. It is also used as a seasoning and to add flavor to dishes. Desi ghee is high in fat content, making it an excellent source of energy, and is also a good source of vitamins A and E. |
Ghee de Desi? What makes it unique from regular ghee? Why is it so unique, and how did it come to be known as \’Desi\’? ’ Well. First and foremost, To be more specific, desi ghee is made from 100% pure cow\’s milk. It is made by massively churning buttermilk and heating butter at the proper temperature in a traditional method for that aromatic and rich flavor.
Suggested Reading:
- What Is Bilona Ghee and Its Benefits?
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What is Ghee? Types, Benefits, Uses, Preparation Method of Ghee
Alright. If you thought it was interesting, let\’s talk more about our own desi ghee, also known as clarified butter in English. And if you\’re wondering if desi ghee has reclaimed its position and if it\’s actually healthy, keep reading because, in the following paragraphs, we\’ll debunk numerous myths about that golden-colored, clear liquid with occasional solidified content floating around – and why you should be making it a part of your staple diet right.
There is no denying that ghee, or ghrita as it is known in Sanskrit, is a uniquely Indian invention. Each tiny drop has been nurturing mankind for countless generations, playing an important role in rituals, and eventually becoming an inseparable part of our lives as an integral part of ancient medicine Ayurveda.
The word \”ghee\” is derived from the Sanskrit word ghr-, which means to sprinkle, and it is commonly known as \”Neyyi\” in southern India. Ghee is essential in Vedic rituals, marriages, religious customs, and various cuisines throughout India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Desi Ghee In Traditional Texts
Ghee, made from pure cow\’s milk, is mentioned in the Hindu Vedic text Yajurveda as a sacred ingredient, a must-have in all homams and yagnas, and is offered to Agni (fire) and various deities during rituals.
The epics Mahabharata and Bhagavata are incomplete without mentioning desi ghee, as the Kauravas were believed to have been nurtured as foetuses in a pot filled with ghee, and stories of little Krishna and his friends drooling over ghee and other dairy products have always been a delight for devotees.
For its wide range of health and medicinal properties, Muslims believe ghee from grass-fed cows is both a shifaa (cure) and a dawaa (medicine). It\’s also worth noting that Buddhism associates \”ghee\” with the highest level of learning, frequently comparing it to the last of five dairy flavors – milk, cream or malai, curdled milk, and butter—and then \”ghee\” to the Lotus and Nirvana sutras – the tallest among all teachings.
Traditional Indian medicine suggests lighting diyas in the evening hours, especially during rainy and winter seasons, and dipping wicks made of pure cotton in ghee to kill viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants in the air.
Desi Ghee in Cuisines
Even today, every foodie reaches for a spoonful of this dairy wonder to top their dishes. South Indians swear by their \”Ghee Roast,\” which features crispy dosas and fluffy idlis dipped in freshly brewed \”neyyi,” whereas Puran Poli, parathas, rotis, biriyani, kichadi, and not to mention halwas and laddus, are just incomplete without generous dollops of ghee.
In many Indian families, serving food with freshly melted ghee is a sign of pride and affection, and mothers and grandmothers frequently insist on their children eating more ghee.
Desi ghee, like all other traditional foods, has had a few rough years in the last decade, but thanks to celebrities and nutritional experts raising awareness, it is regaining its glory. From being labeled as unhealthy, fatty, and a major contributor to weight gain, it is now trending as a superfood. Before delving into myths and facts about desi ghee, let us first understand how it is produced.
How To Make Desi Ghee?
Desi ghee is made from A2 milk and comes from grass-fed Indian cows with the A2A2 gene. This milk contains no A1 protein and only A2 beta-casein, and studies show that A2 milk is far healthier than other types of milk.
Not only the process but also the ingredients differ between desi ghee and other ghee types. Other ghee may contain trace amounts of vegetable trans fats, which are harmful to one\’s health.
Ingredients
4 liters A2 milk
Procedure
- Desi ghee is produced using the Ayurvedic bilona or bilona method. Milk is boiled and cooled in this elaborate process. It is then combined with half a spoon of curd and left at room temperature overnight to form curd.
- The curd is then churned into buttermilk, and the butter that floats on top of the pot is collected in a thick-bottomed vessel.
- The water is then evaporated, leaving aromatic ghee behind. Some families add betel nut leaf to boiling butter to give it a more intense flavor.
Desi Ghee in Ayurveda
Ghee is defined by Ayurveda as a byproduct of butter that is free of impurities. According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, Sushruta Samhita desi ghee effectively treats pitta dosha-related anomalies such as inflammation. It is also a Rasayana, which means that it can heal both the body and the mind at the same time.
Another well-known Ayurvedic scripture, the Charaka Samhita, expresses similar ideas, albeit in a more elaborate manner. It explains why ghee is highly recommended for people with Vata and pitta doshas. It is prescribed for good eyesight, longevity, immunity, strength, Ojas, smooth skin with a radiant complexion, memory, intelligence, igniting digestion, and optimal functioning of all sensory organs, and can be taken by the elderly, children, and the weak alike.
Why is desi ghee healthy?
Desi ghee is made up of fats, 62% of which are saturated fats, which play an important role in increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) without negatively impacting the lipid profile. Ghee is also high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and essential amino acids. However, there are many myths and facts about desi ghee.
Some myths about desi ghee
Myth-1
Ghee Encourages Weight Gain
Reality
This is not correct. Because it is high in Omega 3, Omega 6, and essential fatty acids, it can reduce the size of fat cells, mobilizing them to burn energy. It helps boost metabolism and promote lean body mass, even when the amount of stubborn fat in the body is high. Add a spoonful of desi ghee to your daily diet if you want to lose those stubborn fat deposits around your waist, thighs, and hips.
Myth-2
Ghee Isn\’t Beneficial to Heart Patients
Reality
Again, this is not correct. Desi ghee is high in vitamins A, E, and D and conjugated linoleic acid, as well as a variety of antioxidants that aid in the proper functioning of the heart and cardiac muscles. It also prevents good fats from converting into harmful compounds that can harm your cardiac health because it is prepared at a high smoking point. However, use it moderately.
Myth-3
Ghee Should Be Avoided By Those With Lactose Intolerance
Reality
Not at all. Ghee is lactose and casein free because the manufacturing process removes milk solids. It is also generally recommended for people with lactose intolerance unless they have a severe case.
10 Benefits of desi ghee
Improve Digestion
Ghee is a rich source of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that aids in the breakdown of food while also stimulating digestive enzymes. It is one of the few food products that contains natural butyric acid, which can soothe and heal the digestive tract for improved function.
Control blood sugar
Contrary to popular belief, ghee does not need to be avoided by diabetics. Instead, it acts as an agent that can metabolize and balance high blood glucose levels. Diabetics should include ghee in their diet because it not only aids digestion but also stimulates insulin production to help manage diabetes.
Urticaria relief
Urticaria, also known as hives, are skin breakouts that appear as small bumps on the surface and are frequently caused by insect bites, allergies, or even stress. While antihistamines are commonly used to treat this condition, Ayurveda suggests applying pure desi ghee to the affected areas for immediate relief from itching.
It also suggests consuming half a spoon of desi ghee mixed with one spoon of black pepper powder on an empty stomach every day to permanently treat the problem.
Improves Reproductive Health
Ghee is recommended for improving the function of male and female reproductive organs. Women of reproductive age should consume two teaspoons of desi ghee daily to regulate hormones, while men should consume the same amount to improve sperm quality and motility.
Treats Insomnia
Ghee is a miracle ingredient for people who suffer from chronic insomnia. Gently massage ghee into the temples and the stomach around the navel to balance Vata and cool the body. This massage has a calming effect on the mind and induces a good night\’s sleep.
Burns Belly Fat
If you want to lose that stubborn belly fat, all you need is desi ghee. This amazing dairy product contains conjugated linolenic acid, which aids in fat loss. It is traditionally recommended to massage a small amount of camphor with desi ghee around the belly to dissolve it.
Lactation stimulation
New mothers are advised to consume adequate amounts of ghee without concern for weight gain. It is a myth that lactating mothers should avoid eating ghee on a daily basis. On the contrary, it promotes lactation, nourishes the body, heals and soothes from within, balances hormones, and strengthens joints.
Ghee for Infants
As previously stated, ghee is for everyone, young and old, weak and healthy. Babies are no different. Ghee, which has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, is strongly advised for babies as young as 6 months. It contains 108 micrograms of vitamin A per tablespoon and plenty of vitamins D and K for bone development and strengthening.
Causes Overall Growth
Ghee is also beneficial to babies in a variety of other ways. It improves their vision, brightens their skin, and boosts their immunity. A great source of vitamins, minerals, and DHA, it helps the baby fight seasonal infections like coughs and colds, as well as aiding digestion.
Helps You Gain Weight
Ghee is an elixir for babies who are struggling to gain weight while only receiving breast milk. It causes a growth spurt and helps the baby build stronger bones and muscles in less than two months.
Desi Ghee Side Effects
In general, desi ghee is easily digested by normal, healthy people and has no negative side effects when consumed in moderate amounts daily with rice, roti, or bread. Because desi ghee is high in calories and fat, it is recommended that people with obesity and heart conditions consume it in small amounts on a regular basis.
If anyone is suffering from kidney or liver problems, such as jaundice, it is best to limit their consumption of desi ghee. Excessive consumption of desi ghee frequently results in decreased metabolism, excess body fat, and obesity.
Conclusion
Ghee is an ancient, must-have ingredient in Indian households, playing an important role in rituals, functions, and even the daily diet. Ghee is an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Give your child ghee for a daily dose of vitamins A, K, and E, as well as other minerals.
Desi ghee is gaining popularity and is widely recommended by Ayurveda for longevity, good eyesight, hormonal balance, cardiac health, and even diabetes. However, as with any other ingredient, moderation is essential when consuming ghee. For overall health, do not avoid it completely or consume it in excess.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is Desi Ghee good for?
Desi ghee is known for its high nutritional value and health benefits. It is a rich source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps to reduce body fat, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.
It is also high in vitamins A and E, which are essential for healthy skin, and in omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve heart health. It is also known to aid digestion and help with weight loss.
What is desi ghee?
Desi ghee is a type of clarified butter traditionally used in Indian cuisine. It is made by melting and simmering butter made from the milk of cows, buffalo, or sheep until the water evaporates and the fat solids settle at the bottom.
The solid fat is then separated from the liquid, and the clarified butter (ghee) is left behind. Desi ghee has a distinct nutty flavor and is widely used in Indian cooking as both a cooking fat and a condiment.
What is the difference between ghee and desi ghee?
Ghee is clarified butter, which is made by melting butter and then allowing it to cool, resulting in the separation of the milk solids and liquid fats. Desi ghee is a type of ghee that is made from the milk of cows, buffalo, or goats that have been grass-fed. Desi ghee has a richer flavor and is often used in Indian cooking.
What is desi ghee made of?
Desi Ghee is made from cow\’s milk and was traditionally made at home by heating white butter. It smells and tastes different, but is not inferior to butter. The sweet and nutty flavor is not as strong as that of other oils. In fact, the use of desi ghee dates back to ancient India, before cooking oils were even invented.
Is desi ghee increase blood sugar?
Ghee, according to macrobiotic nutritionist and health coach Shilpa Arora, is diabetes medicine. The fatty acids in homemade ghee aid in the metabolism and regulation of high blood sugar levels. A teaspoon of ghee would not harm anyone.