Love ghee? Famous cardiologist calls it 'big daddy of oils'. Here's how it supports weight loss, heart health
According to Dr. Alok Chopra, Cardiology, Functional Medicine & Disease Reversal
MD, MBBS. Co-founder, Aashlok Hospital. Incorporating ghee into everyday meals can be a healthy choice. He shared his insights in an Instagram post in August 2024, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of this age-old superfood.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Dr. Alok Chopra's Stand on Ghee
Taking to Instagram, Dr. Chopra shared a post, naming ghee as the 'Big Daddy of Oils,' emphasising that ghee is more than just a cooking medium—it is deeply intertwined with Indian heritage and nutrition. He described ghee as a powerhouse that aids digestion, strengthens immunity, and offers a generous supply of vital fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. One of the key attributes he pointed out is its high smoke point, which makes it a safe choice for high-temperature cooking without the risk of forming toxic substances.
He also urged people to opt for A2 ghee made from organic A2 cow milk. In his post, he stressed the importance of ethical sourcing, warning that dairy obtained from cows subjected to cruel conditions or unnatural hormonal treatments can compromise the purity and effectiveness of the ghee. According to Dr. Chopra, being mindful about where your ghee comes from is just as crucial as including it in your diet.
Ghee: A Nutritional Treasure Trove
Scientific platforms like
Healthline
and
WebMD
have documented a wide range of potential health benefits linked to ghee, also known as clarified butter. Here's a breakdown of the findings:
A Natural Source of Vitamin A
Ghee helps improve vitamin A levels in the body. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in preserving vision, supporting the immune system, and promoting skin health. Its fat-soluble nature makes ghee an ideal carrier for efficient absorption.
Promotes Cardiovascular Well-being
Ghee contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with lowering inflammation and potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease. Despite its high fat content, ghee delivers heart-friendly monounsaturated fats that support vascular health when consumed in moderation.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
In Ayurvedic healing practices, ghee has long been used to treat skin burns and swelling. While clinical evidence is still emerging, one key component—butyrate, a type of fatty acid—has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation. This compound contributes to ghee's calming effect on bodily inflammation, especially in the digestive tract.
Aiding Weight Management
Another significant component in ghee is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid linked to fat loss. Research has demonstrated that CLA may assist in reducing overall body fat and supporting weight management efforts.
Supports Skin Repair and Regeneration
Scientific observations indicate that ghee can help promote skin healing, reinforce the skin barrier, and stimulate collagen production. These functions make it a valuable addition for those aiming to maintain youthful and resilient skin.
Enhances Digestive Function
Ghee also offers benefits for gut health. The presence of butyrate in ghee—though in small amounts—can support colon cell health. But to increase butyrate in the body more effectively, a fiber-rich diet is recommended, since the gut naturally produces more short-chain fatty acids from fiber than from ghee alone.
Reduces Risk from Toxic Compounds
One surprising advantage of
cooking with ghee
is that it may lower the formation of acrylamide, a toxic substance found in some cooking methods. Research indicates that animal fats like ghee yield less acrylamide than plant oils during high-heat cooking. Since acrylamide exposure in animals has been linked to cancer at high doses, choosing ghee might be a safer option for those concerned with food safety.
In conclusion, with expert backing from professionals like Dr. Chopra and growing evidence from scientific platforms, ghee is emerging not only as a culinary delight but as a potent health enhancer. When sourced ethically and consumed wisely, this golden fat may indeed be a gift from our ancestors worth rediscovering.
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