Over the past few months, I have gained an appreciation for the culinary arts. I am not a chef, but I can make tasty creations. I consider myself an intuitive cook. I make dishes off the top of my head with an unusual ability to put complementary ingredients together to create masterpieces! I don't measure ingredients or write things down. Yet, since my creations are so tasty (I'm told), I am working on a From Panic to Empowerment cookbook.
Not writing things down does not mean I don't have my go-to items. I have many favorite ingredients, but my new "friend" is Ghee. A few years back, I'd put Ghee in my coffee, but I never transitioned it into my meals. I did a little research on how else I could use it. Let me tell you, you-I am hooked.
What is Ghee?
Melted butter, boiled until the milk solids sink to the bottom...
Check out the Top 10 Tips and comment on whether Ghee will be a new member of your arsenal of goodies for making nutritiously fabulous dishes.
1. It is PACKED full of fat-SOLUBLE vitamins (A, D, E, K) Fat-soluble nutrients are absorbed with fat and stored in the gastrointestinal tract. They are an essential part of a healthy metabolism and other biochemical processes Vitamins A and E have been shown to act as powerful antioxidants. Vitamin A and D are crucial for boosting the immune system, as well as developing healthy bones. Ghee also consists of a uniquely absorbable form of vitamin D that supports the proper function of the synapses within the brain. Vitamin A plays a vital role in proper liver function, fertility, and hormone balance. Ghee supports the production of vitamin K2, which is essential for the absorption of minerals like calcium.
2. Ghee - An excellent supply of butyrates Butyrates are naturally present in butter and ghee, making them a wise choice for a weight-loss strategy. Butyrate, or butyric acid, is a quick-chain fatty acid that acts as a detoxifier; it is a beast at improving colon fitness. It’s been proven to guide healthy insulin levels and may be helpful for individuals affected by IBS, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Ghee is a natural remedy for gut health!
3. Won't smoke up the kitchen Ghee has a high smoke rate, not as high as avocado oil, which has the highest, but it's up there. Consider it for high heat sauteeing and healthy baking. It is a stable, natural fat. Its chemical structure will not be altered or damaged when it is heated. That is a bonus tip, especially if you are experimenting with new recipes; sauteeing or baking.
4. Fights microbial bad guys Ghee consists of anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it an inexpensive yet effective way to maintain your immune system. Ghee can also protect you from infection, especially in the digestive tract. It can speed up the healing time for upsets stomach, cold, or even the flu!
5. It has staying power Ghee can live in your kitchen pantry for up to a month once it's been opened, and it lasts in the fridge for about seven months. this is due to the lack of moisture in the oil. Make sure to store your ghee in a sealed jar away from warmth.
6. Good Cholesterol Booster It's a top-notch source of LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol is a healing agent within the vessels, a great conductor for nerve transmission, and is stored in the white matter of your brain. Cholesterol levels increase throughout the duration of a stress response. Giving the body good fats like Ghee supports the body's ability to deal with stress. Woohoo, I need all the stress support I can get.
7. Detoxification Assistant Fats, particularly omega-three fatty acids, are sturdy natural antioxidants and are used to remove petrochemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals. Both are excessive sources of butyric acid—the primary power supply for the gut helps lessen the irritation. Ghee additionally consists of lauric acid— an amazing antimicrobial and anti-fungal substant. This tasty fat works its magic by stimulating bile from the gallbladder. Saturated fats like Ghee encourage detoxification, balancing hormones that support weight loss.
8. It's a Hormone Stabilizer
It's important to eat cholesterol-rich saturated fats like ghee to have the building blocks to produce vital sex hormones- testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Specifically, vitamins A and K2, found in ghee, also supports hormone synthesis and removing toxins impeding hormone production. Should you be using Ghee to combat hot flashes, adult acne, and low libido? MAYBE!!!!!
9. Its Lactose and Casein Free
The most impressive benefit of ghee is that it’s free of lactose and casein protein. Some people have a milk allergy, which might also stem from a heightened sensitivity to casein, and others may be hypersensitive to lactose. For individuals with a casein allergy, the response can also include swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, face, or throat; hives; or congestion. Those with lactose intolerance have a hard time digesting the milk sugar lactose. But, symptoms are commonly a whole lot less risky than a casein hypersensitive reaction. Signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance may also include bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, gurgling, and cramps. If you have sensitivities to both casein or lactose, don't worry, you shouldn't have any issues with Ghee. All milk solids are eliminated thru skimming and straining.
10. Ghee is delicious. It has an intense nutty buttery flavor that can be added to veggies, soups, beans, baking. I use it for everything because I need all of the health properties daily. I make Ghee about once per week. It's cheaper than buying the store-bought kind, and you can know for sure that it has only one ingredient- organic, pastured-butter!
What can you say about smooth texture, nutty flavor ...and healthy! I'm still tweaking the idea of a cookbook, and I have my heart set on a video series of my famous creations. You can either wait for the videos to be loaded or come to our book club session to taste how good cooking with Ghee can be!