Making faces as we're telling you to consume fats? Ghee is a healthy fat and considered as a good source of nutrition. In Ayurveda, ghee is considered as a medicinal and therapeutic food and consuming a spoonful of it on an empty stomach does heal your digestive system and aids constipation. And no, you will not gain weight from that. Do not believe me? Hear from an expert.
In a conversation with Only My Health team, Hetal Chheda, Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian, Your Health Nutrition Clinic, Mumbai, said, “Consuming ghee on an empty stomach in the morning aids digestion and helps decrease insulin spikes in the body.”
A study by AYU, International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda stated, “Ayurveda has traditionally considered ghee to be the healthiest source of edible fat, with many beneficial properties. According to Ayurveda, ghee promotes longevity and protects the body from various diseases. It increases the digestive fire and improves absorption and assimilation.”
When asked how to consume ghee in the morning, Chheda said, “The best way to consume ghee in the morning depends from person to person. Some people prefer a spoonful of ghee as it is, while others may mix it with warm water or tea.”
Health benefits of consuming ghee in the morning
According to Hetal Chheda, “Ghee is rich in saturated fats, fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and D, and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.” Here are a few benefits of ghee listed by Nutritionist Chheda.
1. Improved Digestion
Ghee helps in stimulating gastric acid secretion and balances it. It acts as a natural lubricant. It lubricates the digestive tract providing easy passage for bowel movement. It cleanses your digestive system, lubricates the intestines as well, which allows the stools to pass smoothly. Taking a spoonful of ghee in the morning can relieve constipation. It detoxifies the digestive system. Ghee contains butyric acid which is known for maintaining good gut health.
2. Boost In Energy
Ghee contains medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids can be easily absorbed by the body and used as a source of energy. It increases muscle strength and helps in reducing body fat. Ghee contains calories in good amounts which inturn gives energy to the body.
3. Less Hunger Pangs
Consuming ghee gives satisfaction to your stomach and hence you do not feel hungry a lot. It helps avoid unhealthy craving and hunger, ultimately helping lose weight.
4. Improved Metabolism
According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, ghee is enriched with CLA (Conjugated linoleic acid) which promotes metabolism. When you consume ghee on an empty stomach, this factor works more effectively and improves your metabolism.
5. Absorption Of Fat-soluble Vitamins
Ghee is enriched with umpteen fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, and D and in order to absorb, these vitamins need fat. That is why if you consume ghee on an empty stomach, your intestines will absorb these vitamins easily.
6. Improves Bone Health
Ghee acts as a natural lubricant for joints. It promotes bone health and reduces the inflammation in joints. Consuming it raw in the morning will help you maintain your bone health.
Also read: Winter Wellness: 6 Ways Of Incorporating Ghee Into Your Seasonal Diet
Bottomline
Ghee is a humongous giver, when it comes to health benefits. But if consumed in excess amounts, it might lead to bizarre consequences and harm your heart health. Let’s not forget that ghee is rich in fats and if consumed more than needed, it can be an addition to your bad cholesterol.