GuruMaa loves Ghee, and I still remember the Marwari food dinners She would prepare with great love and affection. The Dai-Bati Churma, the Palak Ke Dhokle and Badam Ka Halwa. The tastiest food in the world. Invariably, these items would be full of ghee.
She believes that Ghee is good for your health. Even after suffering cardiac disease, GuruMaa believes that Ghee in the right moderation is absolutely fine.
On the other extreme, we know that South Asians living in US and UK have a higher proportion of cardiac disease. Several research studies have concluded that besides genetic issues, the Indian diet is not healthy. Very often, Ghee is being pointed as the main culprit.
So, what is the truth?
Ghee is the liquid butter remaining when the butter from cow or buffalo milk is melted, boiled and strained. When ghee is made using this method, then all the water is boiled away and the milk fat solids are completely removed. The result is glistening, clear and golden oil that will not go rancid. Ghee is salt free, lactose free, will not burn or smoke at high cooking temperatures and does not require refrigeration.
Ghee is called the ‘Royal Oil’ because it was the oil of choice for the wealthiest class in India. It was a luxury for the zamindars, the successful Babus and the aristocrats. It has been mentioned in the Vedas, and a key ingredient in Ayurvedic cooking. In fact, in the scriptures, the word ghee is sometimes used interchangeable with the word life. Ghee is Life?
According to Dr. Saini, “ghee is a better choice than margarine and refined oils. It has been used in Ayurvedic prescriptions since 2,000 years. It ha san unique healing property not found in other oils. It enhances the ‘oja’s’, an essence that governs the body and balances the essential body hormones. To ensure a sound body and mind, you must have more oja’s. It also increases the longevity and has anti-viral and anti-cancer properties….. Ghee and particularly, organic ghee has no oxidized cholesterol or trans-fatty acid….Ghee, because of its biochemical properties, will use 30% to 40% less amount of oil compared to any other oil…..It also has a very strong anti-viral properties…”
It is also believed that eating ghee ensures that you remain agile and sharp in your old age, and less likely to become senile. The Charaka Samhita says, “it is promotive of memory, intelligence, vital fire, semen, vital existence (ojas), earth (kapha) and fat.”It is curative of vata (air), pitta (fire) and toxins.
Ghee is also a primary digestive aid. It stimulates the secretion of the stomach acids needed to properly digest food. Ghee is taken with warm milk as a prescription of constipation. It is a general tonic for healthy eyes and skin, and also good for people suffering from colitis and peptic ulcers. Ghee is used in many ayurvedic medicines mixed with herbs, since ghee acts as an agent of fulfillment.
Many Indian households hand down aged ghee. It is said that 100 years old ghee can cure anything! GuruMaa often referred to Ghee which Her Mom had stored for a long time. It was used to heal many diseases.
Scientists report that conjugated linoleic acid, CLA, a key component of Ghee, slows the progress of some types of cancer and heart disease; and appears to help reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass.
Even though Ghee is a healthy fat, you must consume it in moderation, and preferably use Organic Ghee. You should always know yourself, your genetics and consult a dietician to understand if Ghee is good for you or not. I will also continue to research if olive oil is better than ghee.
In the meantime, I will trust the Vedas, and trust GuruMaa, and have organic ghee in moderation, while continuing to exercise.
References: GuruMaa’s Pravachans, A Guide to the Royal oil: Ghee by Kathryn S. Feldenkreis, various websites, and press articles from BBC and Hinduism Today.
