Not everyone is familiar with this unctuous and totally delicious and replenishing butter¦ Let me tell you right now¦ used wisely it’ll do wonders for ANYONE with the slight hint of imbalance.
One of the ancient Ayurvedic texts the Ashtanga Samgraha tells us that Ghee is the best for:
Those who desirous of having intellect (dhee) memory (smrti), cleverness and skilful abilities (Medha), digestive power, strength, longevity, sexual vigour and good eye sight.
So there you are people- some pretty good (and varied!) reasons to get on it with the glorious GHEE!
Ghee Nutrtion & Ghee Health Benefits (from http://www.squidoo.com/ghee)
Ghee lacks hydrogenated oils and is a popular choice for health-conscious cooks as well. Additionally, since all the milk proteins have been removed during the clarifying process, ghee gains further nutritional value because it’s lactose free, making it a safer alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.
Clarified butter/ghee is composed primarily of saturated fat. It contains approximately 14 grams of fat per tablespoon but no artificial additives, preservatives, or trans fats. Consuming large quantities of ghee is obviously unhealthy, but because of the rich flavour of ghee, it can be used sparingly to full effect, making it more suitable for low-fat diets. A good guideline is one tablespoon of ghee as opposed to four tablespoons of any other butter or cooking oil.
Ghee Health Benefits
Ghee is most notably said to stimulate the secretion of stomach acids to help with digestion, while other fats, such as butter and oils, slow down the digestive process and can sit heavy in the stomach. Although tests and research are still ongoing, it has been used in Indian medicinal practice to help with ulcers, constipation, and the promotion of healthy eyes and skin. An Indian folk-remedy for thousands of years, ghee is also said to promote learning and increased memory retention. It is used in Indian beauty creams to help soften skin, and as a topical for the treatment of burns and blisters.
In addition to ghee’s nutritional value, it is rich with antioxidants and acts as an aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods, feeding all layers of body tissue and serving to strengthen the immune system. A high concentration of butyric acid, a fatty acid that contains anti-viral properties, is believed to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumours.
Glorious Ghee making!
Making ghee is one of the most therapeutic and sattvic processes. I found it a wonderful way to reconnect to myself. I felt that every moment I was nourishing my own body/mind/spirit…Thats the magic of ayurveda peeps!
2 slabs of pure unsalted, unadulterated(!) organic butter¦ and folks¦ this butter is straight from the cow¦ (or farmer¦ after the cow!;)
small sprinkle of fenugreek- bitter taste
small sprinkle of fresh crushed cardamon pods- sweet and heating
small sprinkle of turmeric- the best anti fungal, anti everything nasty! Have it as part of your daily meals- sprinkled in
Cook slowly until melted
Pour the spices on to the butter- and watch… butter will froth and cloud over- make sure does;t go brown.
Remove some of froth as you cook
Cook for 1 hour (depending on how much butter your started with).
When done- drain the butter through a sieve with kitchen paper to catch the dregs. Best to drain in to a glass jar… it’ll look like a little pot of gold!
