Plain butter. Is it really that useful?

Dear reader, we present to you our beauty columnist Inessa Tsarkova!

Inessa is an active nutritionist, gastroenterologist, therapist, naturopath and aromatherapist, health coach, integrative medicine doctor with a holistic approach. And now he will share with us his knowledge in the field of both physical and mental health, nutrition and much more.

In the last column we brought sugar to light and in this column we will discuss ghee, a very popular healthy lifestyle product. Is it really that useful?

Inessa Tsarkova

In the ancient medical system of Ayurveda (Sanskrit – “knowledge of life”, “science of life”) ghee oil was called “liquid gold”. Five thousand years ago, it began to be produced from the milk (or rather, cream) of sacred cows in India.

It was believed that when consumed, the guna of goodness spread throughout the body, increasing life energy and clarity of perception. “People who eat fat have a strong fire, their insides are clean, their body strength is developed, they are vigorous, their colors are beautiful…” – is written in an ancient Indian medical work.

Ghee is similar to our ghee, but after processing it boils much longer. It consists only of milk fat, which makes it easily digestible. But regular butter also contains proteins (mostly casein) and milk sugar (lactose). Ghee has a very pleasant, sweet, creamy aroma and a delicious, nutty taste.

What’s good about this oil?

Plain butter is perfectly absorbed without placing a burden on the gastrointestinal tract, as with regular butter; It saturates the body with valuable short-chain fatty acids (primarily Omega-3) that protect our cells from damage and aging. It is a source of all fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D, K), which are vital for immunity and metabolism, as well as vitamin B3, which is essential for the functioning of the nervous system; Because it contains large amounts of antioxidants, it protects the body from infections, aging and cancer. Ghee oil replenishes the missing reserves of alkali metals (sodium, potassium, calcium) necessary to maintain acid-base balance and organ function.

It can be stored for a long time even without a refrigerator (and its healing properties will only increase over time).

The product has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieves stress and irritability, improves gallbladder function and liver condition. It improves microflora and stimulates intestinal function, and due to its unique composition and properties, it can be used to treat atherosclerosis and even obesity; Improves the condition of skin, nails and hair.

It is suitable for people with lactose intolerance as well as people who are allergic to milk protein.

Ghee oil is used to make ointments, drops and tinctures (suitable for the treatment of colds, prolonged runny nose, sinusitis, cough and sore throat, as well as for the treatment of joints and spine, as it copes well with swelling and congestion).

It can also be used for cosmetic purposes: you can prepare yourself the perfect cream from specially washed oil (it is especially good to add a few drops of natural essential oil into it, depending on your skin type).

This oil will help cope with fine wrinkles, perfectly moisturize the skin and renew the complexion.

And finally, it can be used for frying, as it has a high smoke point and will not allow the formation of harmful trans fats (as in others, especially vegetable oils).

How to make ghee at home?

We will need high-quality natural butter with a high fat content (it is better to buy from reliable farmers). You need to cut it into pieces and melt it in a thick-bottomed saucepan (or in a water bath) over low heat. First, all the water will evaporate, and then it will separate: foam will form at the top, and a precipitate of white flakes will fall to the bottom (this is how proteins and sugars are separated). As soon as the golden color becomes transparent, it should be removed from the stove and allowed to cool. Then, all that remains is to filter it through thick cheesecloth, put it in a glass jar, and enjoy the magnificent product.

Of course, the oil is wonderful in its properties and very tasty. But this alone does not make us beautiful and healthy.

You must remember to pay attention to your body and listen to its needs. Remember that to feel great, preserve beauty and youth, you need not only healthy food, but also positive thoughts, regular exercise, timely rest, clean water and good sleep.