Ghee has been an integral part of our lives forever and holds a constant position in the kitchen cabinet. From spreading a spoonful of ghee on rotis and parathas to using it for a flavourful tadka in a recipe, ghee has versatile uses in the world of gastronomy. But what gives it an additional edge are the health benefits. Ghee is considered one of the best sources of fats and, according to health experts, it helps nourish us, boost immunity, and gives a natural glow to the skin. But did you know that not all types of ghee have the same kind of benefit? You heard us right. According to nutritionist Simrun Chopra, many of the commercially processed ghees lack nutrients, with the recipe being the main culprit. Let's elucidate further.
Also Read: Ghee Vs Mustard Oil - Which Is Better? Nutritionist Reveals Best Cooking Practices
Is the Ghee You Are Eating Healthy? Which Type of Ghee Is Considered Not-So-Healthy?
There are two types of ghee available in the market - bilona ghee and regular ghee. While regular ghee is made from the malai in milk, bilona ghee is prepared from the malai that accumulates while setting dahi/yogurt.
Simrun Chopra explains, "All the benefits we talk about regarding ghee come from the ones made out of the malai of yogurt. The ones made with malai from milk lack the properties that you think ghee is giving you." This is mainly because bilona ghee retains more vitamins and nutrients compared to regular ghee, as it is made using a low-heat method. This process also gives the end product a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Also Read: Is Ghee Better Than Olive Oil For Indian Cooking? Nutritionist Explains
Photo Credit: istock
Can You Have Bilona Ghee As Much As You Want?
Bilona ghee is packed with antioxidant properties, healthy fats, and various enriching vitamins and minerals. However, that doesn't mean you can have it as much as you want. Nutritionist Simrun Chopra states, "While ghee has its benefits, I still do not recommend adding a dollop on top of food." She gives two major reasons for this:
1. All our food already contains natural oil.
2. Adding extra ghee increases the total fat content of the food, leading to excess calorie consumption in a day.
Instead, she recommends cooking with ghee, rather than adding it separately to the food, to maintain the body's total fat intake. "Ideally, you should avoid having both oil and ghee in one meal," she concludes.
Now that you know all about ghee and its goodness, we suggest making it at home following the right procedure and consuming it in the right amount to enjoy all the benefits. Meanwhile, find the detailed post by Simrun Chopra below:
Also Read: Ghee Is More Than Just A Delicious Topping - It's A Skin Saviour
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.