Ghee, the superfood that replaces butter and takes care of our hearts
Ghee, the superfood that replaces butter
and takes care of our hearts
This product is one of the most precious in Indian cuisine for its health benefits. It is lighter than butter and contains no protein or water.
The most normal thing is that you have never heard of this product, but ghee is one of the most coveted foods in Indian cuisine. It is clarified butter, that is, it does not contain protein or water. It is considered a superfood for the benefits it brings to our health and we can use it as a substitute for traditional butter in our recipes. In addition, we can make it ourselves at home.
During its preparation, the milk solids (casein and lactose) are removed, so it can be left at room temperature for weeks without spoiling. This is another of the reasons why it has been used for thousands of years. Thus, it has a great role in countries with hot climates such as India, Iran or Pakistan.
Properties and health benefits
Ghee, also known as golden elixir, is a lighter food than traditional butter. Its fats of animal origin are healthy, such as butyric acid, anti- inflammatory fatty acids that keep the lining of the intestine healthy. In addition, it reduces triglycerides and increases the levels of good HDL cholesterol, according to a Publimed study. As it does not contain milk proteins, it is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.
Ghee also contains linoleic acid, which helps lower cholesterol, lose body fat, and lower blood pressure. Vitamin K2 favors blood coagulation, that is, it is a product with cardiovascular benefits that directly improve the health of our heart. In addition, the healthy saturated fats it contains are easier for our body to digest. Thus, it allows the vitamins and minerals that other foods contain to be better absorbed.
By itself, it is a source of omega-3, vitamins A, D, E and K2, which help keep our bones strong. It also contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, chromium, zinc, copper, and selenium. On a nutritional level, it should also be noted that it contains about 700kcal per 100g, but since it is quite satiating, it is not necessary to use a large amount and it can help you lose weight.
Among other of its benefits, we can highlight that it helps to improve eyesight, control diabetes or prevent its appearance and relieve cough. In addition, if we apply it to our skin, it reduces inflammation of the joints, hydrates and slows down the aging of the dermis, acts as a lip balm and gives shine to the hair if it is left to act for a few minutes together with a shampoo or olive oil. For this reason, it has been used as the basis of Ayurvedic medicine.
We can use it in our recipes
This superfood has a high smoke point, meaning we can subject it to high temperatures without it burning and becoming toxic. Thus, it produces less acrylamide than vegetable oils. For this reason, it is used as a substitute for frying oil. In addition, we can use it as a substitute for traditional butter in any dish, even to prepare pastry recipes, since it has a sweet taste.
And we can make it at home
But this is not an impediment to introducing it into our kitchen, since we can make it ourselves at home. We just need a tub of unsalted butter and cook it over medium heat in a saucepan. After a few minutes we will see how the solids are rising towards the surface.
When the butter begins to boil, these solids disappear. Lower the temperature of the heat, stir and cook for a few more minutes while a layer of foam forms. Then we will obtain an orange liquid and we will have our ghee ready to let it cool. We can store it in a container by filtering it with a strainer to prevent sediment from slipping in and it can now be used as an ingredient in our dishes.
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