Ghee is also known as clarified butter, a product made from milk, and is a popular ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. The process for producing ghee is quite simple and can be done at home. Milk is boiled and sometimes cultured to make curd (yogurt). The curd is then churned to separate butter from buttermilk. While buttermilk can be used or discarded, it is not used in making ghee. The butter is heated at low to medium heat to evaporate the water. The milk solids separate and settle at the bottom, leaving a clear, golden liquid at the surface, which is pure fat known as ghee.
Ghee has been used in India since ancient times, both in the preparation of several Ayurvedic medicines and as a staple in cooking, and it remains popular today. Ghee is considered healthy, and this belief has been passed down to us by our ancestors, though some people hold a different view.
Is Ghee Healthy?
Ghee contains approximately 46–62% saturated fat, including palmitic, stearic, and myristic acids. It is rich in healthy fats and contains fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which support eye and bone health, blood clotting, and exhibit antioxidant properties. Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), along with the saturated fats in ghee, help promote hormone production, cellular function, and aid in nutrient absorption. However, ghee provides health benefits only when consumed in moderation and when sourced from reputable brands—such as Jivo, one of the best ghee brands in India.
When consumed in moderation (about 1–2 tablespoons per day), ghee offers several health advantages:
1. Supports Heart Health
Despite its saturated fat content, ghee contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation. Some studies suggest that ghee can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and its anti-inflammatory properties may further benefit heart health.
2. Boosts Immunity
The best ghee in India contains healthy fats and vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help improve the immune system. The vitamins in ghee are fat-soluble and play a vital role in supporting and modulating immune function. These nutrients help protect the body from infections and oxidative stress. Jivo’s best ghee in India is enriched with vitamin A and features healthy ingredients; when consumed in moderation, it may help boost immunity.
3. Aids Digestion and Gut Health
Ghee is a natural source of butyric acid, a type of short-chain fatty acid. Butyric acid helps nourish and protect the cells lining the large intestine (also known as colonocytes), supporting a healthy and well-functioning gut lining. The fats in ghee help food move smoothly through the digestive system, making digestion easier. Additionally, butyric acid has anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm and reduce irritation in your digestive tract.
4. Supports Weight Management
Ghee does contain small amounts of beneficial fats, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)—especially when made from grass-fed cow’s milk. CLA is known for its potential to help reduce body fat, improve lean muscle mass, and support metabolic health. The rich and satisfying taste of ghee can help reduce the urge to snack or overeat. Together, these features may contribute to weight management when ghee is consumed in moderation.
5. Promotes Skin and Hair Health
When ghee is applied topically, it helps support skin and hair health. The fat soluble vitamins A and E in ghee are known to support skin cell repair, improve skin elasticity and glow, and protect against free radical damage that can cause premature aging. Ghee does contain omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, though not in large amounts, which help maintain skin hydration and softness, and nourish the scalp and hair follicles, reducing dryness and flakiness.
Ghee is indeed healthy only when consumed in moderation and sourced from the best ghee brands in India. It is advisable to buy the best ghee in India from reputed brands like Jivo, one of the best cooking oil brands in India, known for its high-quality, cold-pressed cooking oils.
Who should avoid the consumption of Ghee?
The taste of ghee is irresistible, and it’s hard to resist. Although ghee contains nutrients beneficial to health, it may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions require people to avoid ghee entirely.
Heart Problems
People who have been diagnosed with heart problems, such as high cholesterol, should avoid consuming ghee. Ghee is high in saturated fats, which can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.
Liver Problems
Those with liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver, or other serious liver conditions need to keep away from ghee. Since ghee is high in saturated fats, its consumption may increase liver triglycerides and fat accumulation, and cause greater inflammation in the liver.
Milk Allergic
People allergic to milk should avoid ghee because ghee is made from butter, which comes from milk. Even though most of the milk solids, like lactose, proteins casein, and whey, are removed during the process of making ghee, tiny amounts can still remain. For those with a milk allergy, even a small trace of these milk proteins can trigger an allergic reaction, which can sometimes be serious.
Which is the Best Ghee in India
There are different types of ghee available in India, like cow ghee, desi ghee, A2 cow ghee, buffalo ghee, organic ghee, flavoured ghee, cultured ghee, and specialty ghee. You can pick anyone according to your preference, or can go with Jivo’s best ghee in India. Why Jivo? Jivo offers pure desi buffalo ghee which power-packs rich fat soluble vitamins, helpful in boosting immunity, bone health, and supporting overall health. Pure buffalo ghee are known to contain more fat than cow ghee and is a good energy source. These fats help absorb fat-soluble vitamins, provide long-lasting energy, and support cell function and hormone production. Try Jivo Desi Ghee to relish the purity and health benefits of real healthy ghee.
- Low in Saturated Fat (43%)
- Gluten and Lactose Free
- Supports Heart and Bone Health