Ghee Me Some of That!

Ghee is a nutritious fat that can be easily implemented in your cooking or even skin care. Read on to learn more!

What is ghee?

Historically ghee has been used in Ayurveda and in South Asia for thousands of years. Used for its medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Ghee is a clarified butter which means, the milk solids and water have been strained out through a heating process. Because the milk solids have been removed, ghee is lactose and casein free, making it suitable for those who are sensitive to whole dairy products.

How does ghee differ from butter and other oils?

Not only is it lactose and casein free, but ghee also has a much higher smoking point (485°F) than butter or olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil has a smoking point up to about 410°F. A smoking point is the temperature at which the oil starts to burn, leaving little to no nutritional value. Before the oil reaches its smoking point, heat damage may still occur. For high heat cooking, other than ghee, avocado oil and almond oil are great alternatives.

Many cooking oils today unfortunately are extremely processed. Always consider reading the ingredients before going forward. If you can’t pronounce it or there are more than 5 ingredients, usually that’s a red flag!

Health properties of ghee:

Be sure to look for grass-fed, organic ghee when possible to ensure the best quality of nutrients. Like any fat or oil, ghee should be used sparingly or within your unique dietary guidelines. Some of the health benefits you reap from ghee are:

· Helps with healthy vision & skin (Contains vitamin A, E & K)

· Supports Reproductive System & Hormone Health

· Anti-inflammatory

· Improves Gut Health (butyric acid)

· Promotes healthy weight loss (conjugated linoleic acid)

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How to integrate ghee into your cooking:

Any cooking oil can be substituted with ghee. Ghee is great for sautéing, baking or even roasting. Containing a sweet nutty flavor, provides a delicious flavor boost. You can find many Indian recipes with ghee, but I’d suggest trying to implement it into some of your own! Start by simply trying sautéed veggies with ghee. Some personal favorite pairings are with eggs, veggies, chicken and salmon! Tip: using a basting brush on the pan before sautéing or frying an egg is a great tool to use so you don’t have to use a full tablespoon!

Have you tried ghee with your cooking, or if not, would you try it?