Desi ghee has been a household stable for desis for many centuries, and you may be surprised to hear that it’s primarily saturated fats. Yes, you heard that right…all FAT. If you don’t know what desi ghee is, it’s a clarified type of butter, meaning that it has been simmered into a concentrate and all of the residues have been removed.  What remains is basically a pure combination of fats, without any milk residue, so it does not need to be refrigerated. Desi ghee can last for months without refrigeration.

Desi ghee may have many more health benefits than you thought:

1.  Boosts energy

The wide range of fats that are in desi ghee are very useful for the body and can be processed by the liver and burnt as energy, not passing into the adipose tissue or contributing to weight gain. For athletes or other people with active lifestyles, desi ghee can provide the necessary burst of energy needed throughout a challenging day.

2. High smoke point

Heating oils above their smoke point can destroy essential phytonutrients and can result in an increase of free radicals. The smoke point of desi ghee is 250 °C or 482 °F as compared to butter’s which is 120°C or 250°F. You can cook and fry with desi ghee and it will not break down into free radicals like many other oils.

3. Rich in fat-soluble vitamins

Those with gluten sensitivities or pancreatic problems can sometimes have problems absorbing vitamin A, however, desi ghee can help as it is rich in vitamin A. Desi ghee is also rich in vitamin D and is a great way to absorb the vitamin in the months that you don’t get enough sunshine. Desi ghee can also help moisturize the body and is rich in vitamin E which can repair damaged skin.

4. Relieves constipation

Using natural ghee is a good remedy for those who suffer from constipation. A glass of milk with a teaspoon of desi ghee can ease up constipation and boost your metabolism.

5. Builds strong bones

Desi ghee is rich in K2, which is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the body that helps utilize important minerals, including calcium. Studies show that Vitamin K builds bones better than calcium.

6. Doesn’t cause dairy allergies

Since desi ghee is dairy-free (all of the dairy residue simmered off), people who are lactose intolerant or those who can’t consume butter can enjoy something similar to the flavor of butter in the form of desi ghee without worrying about gastrointestinal problems.

7. Eye care

The levels of vitamin A in desi ghee make it ideal for protecting eye health. Carotenoids are antioxidants that specialize in getting rid of and neutralizing the free radicals that attack the macular cells, thereby preventing macular degeneration and the development of cataracts in eyes.

8. Boosts immune system

One of the most important elements in desi ghee is butyric acid. Butyric acid is linked to the stimulation of T-cell production, which are the heavy-hitting cells of the immune system. This means that desi ghee can help supercharge your immune system.

9. Rich in K2 and CLA

Desi ghee contains Conjugated Linolenic Acid (CLA), which has been shown to prevent cancer and reduce tumors within the body. It can also lower cholesterol and high blood pressure along with reducing inflammation and lowering body fat.

10. Promotes a healthy digestive tract

Desi ghee also aids in the stimulation of stomach acid secretion, which, in turn, helps with the proper digestion of food. It does not slow down digestion like other fats such as oils and butter do.

11. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer

Desi ghee possesses butyric acid, which is one of the most beneficial short-chain fatty acids that the body needs. Butyric acid is known to decrease inflammation, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, and is recommended for people with ulcerative colitis. Along with cancer-fighting CLA which helps prevent cancer, it also has a high concentration of butyric acid, which has anti-viral properties, can inhibit the development of cancerous tumors.

12. Balances hormones

This superfood is rich in vitamin K2 which builds hormones along with Vitamin A, D, E & K. Several vitamins present in ghee provide the raw material for hormone production. Desi ghee also stimulates the production of bile, which flushes out old hormones.

13. Good for your heart

Desi ghee helps in preventing calcium deposits in the arteries that can lead to blockages and obstruct blood flow. It lowers bad cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol levels, thus maintaining a healthy balance.

**desi ghee is made purely out of fat, so excessive consumption of it can dramatically change your fat intake and can act as a negative dietary choice. Always ask your medical professional to ensure that your fitness level can handle a shift to a higher fat diet.

Do you use desi ghee?

cover image source: shape.com