10 Reasons Why Ghee is a Superfood

by Param Singh
Mar 24, 2021

Let’s clear up the myth that (natural) fat is bad for you. Humans need fat to be healthy – it is actually essential for our bodies. The simplistic idea that eating fat makes you fat is completely wrong.

Quality fats are ESSENTIAL to have in our diet and it’s very clear that our human physiology needs fats because every membrane of every cell and every organelle inside of cells are made of fats. Healthy bile release and a healthy gall bladder requires fat, the brain is comprised of 60% fat and even detox requires fat. Ghee can also enhance our immune system, as well as aiding in hormone and blood sugar balance.

Here are some more facts to ponder on if you are questioning whether you will be using butter over margarine (which by the way is a concoction of chemicals)

1. It's Packed Full of Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K)

Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed with fat and stored in the gastrointestinal tract — and they are essential to maintaining a healthy metabolism and required for so many different biochemical processes within the body. Vitamin A and E have been shown to act as powerful antioxidants, and Vitamin A and D are critical in immune function as well as in bone health and development. Ghee also contains a uniquely absorbable form of Vitamin D that helps with the proper functioning of the synapses in the brain. Vitamin A plays an essential role in our liver health, fertility, hormone balance and long-lasting energy. Ghee also contains Vitamin K2 which is essential for the body to help utilise minerals, including calcium. Pretty amazing right?!?

2. Is a Great Source of Butyrate

Butter and ghee are great sources of naturally occurring butyrate in our diet. Butyrate, or butyric acid, is a short-chain fatty acid that acts as a detoxifier, it's anti-inflammatory and improves colon health. It’s been shown to support healthy insulin levels and may be helpful for individuals suffering from IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Basically ghee is great for your guts!

3. It's Heat Stable – YES, you can cook with it!

It's an excellent fat to use in your cooking and baked goods as it is a stable and natural fat, meaning its chemical structure will not be altered or damaged when it's heated.

4. Helps Fight Illnesses

Ghee contains both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties making it a great way to boost your immune system and also protects us from infection, especially in the digestive tract. It also helps heal minor illnesses like stomach upset or cold and flu.

5. It Has a Stable Shelf-Life

Ghee can stay in your kitchen pantry for up to a month once it has been opened, and it lasts in the fridge for about 7 months. This is due to the lack of moisture in the oil. Be sure to store your ghee in a sealed jar away from heat.

6. It's Anti-Inflammatory

It's a great source of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a healing agent in the body, cholesterol levels increase during periods of stress or when inflammation occurs, so when we provide the body with good quality fats such as ghee, it helps the body to address this inflammation.

7. Aids with Detox

Fats, and especially omega-3 fatty acids, are strong natural antioxidants and are used to eliminate petrochemicals, pesticides and heavy metals. Both are high sources of butyric acid—the primary energy source for the gut that helps to reduce inflammation. Grass-fed butter and ghee also contains lauric acid—a potent antimicrobial and anti-fungal substance. By stimulating bile release, good sources of saturated fats like butter encourage detox, balanced hormones and weight loss.

8. Aids with Hormone Balance

We must consume sources of cholesterol-rich saturated fats like ghee to provide the building blocks for sex hormones, including testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone. The cholesterol, vitamin A and vitamin K2 found in ghee also plays an important role in hormone synthesis and toxin detox.

9. Easily Digestible

Ghee is very easy to digest. Because ghee is free of casein and other milk solids, it is a great option for people with sensitivities to dairy. Butyrate helps support a healthy digestive tract and decreases inflammation.