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Ghee





PREPARATION OF GHEE

Milk is curdled. The Curd is then manually churned until it precipitates butter and leaves behind some Whey . The butter is then heated on a low flame until a layer of white froth covers the surface. This state indicates the end of process and the liquid obtained on filtering the suspension is pure ghee. In addition to the ghee, Egyptians use the remaining solids as an alternate cooking butter called "Morta".


RELIGIOUS USES

Ghee was frequently used for '', ghee is the very root of sacrifice by Bhishma .


AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

Ayurvedic texts describe many diverse mind/body benefits. For example,
  • Absorption: Ghee is an integral part of the science of ayurvedic herbal formulation. Since ghee is an oil, it can bond with lipid-soluble nutrients and herbs to penetrate the lipid-based Cell Membrane s of the body. It is stated to increase the potency of certain herbs by carrying the active components to the interior of the cells where they impart the most benefit.

  • Digestion: The ayurvedic texts say that ghee helps balance excess Stomach Acid , and helps maintain/repair the mucus lining of the stomach.

  • Mild Burns: Like aloe, ghee is said to prevent blisters and scarring if applied quickly to affected skin.

  • Mind: Ghee is said to promote all three aspects of mental functioning -- learning, memory and recall.

  • Ayurvedic Balance: Ghee balances both Vata (the Dosha that controls movement in mind and body) and Pitta (the dosha that controls heat and Metabolism ).


Eating ghee is also believed to enhance Virility and sexual potency.


OUTSIDE OF INDIA

Several cultures make ghee outside of India. Egypt ians make a product called سمن بلدي (''samn baladi'', literally meaning "local fat") virtually identical to ghee in terms of process and end result. In Ethiopia , Niter Kibbeh ( Amharic : ንጥር ቅቤ ''niṭer ḳibē'') is made and used in much the same way as ghee, but with spices added during the process that result in a distinctive taste.


NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONCERNS


When cooking, it can be unhealthy to heat polyunsaturated oils such as vegetable oils to high temperatures. Doing so creates peroxides and other Free Radicals . These substances lead to a variety of health problems and diseases. On the other hand, ghee has a very high Burning Point and doesn't burn or smoke easily during cooking. Because ghee has the more stable saturated bonds (i.e., it lacks Double Bonds which are easily damaged by heat) it is not as likely to form the dangerous free radicals when cooking.
Ghee's short chain fatty acids are also metabolized very readily by the body, which would seem to negate concerns of its health effects. However, there is significant controversy between traditional oils and modern industrially processed oils which tends to heavily cloud the facts and issues surrounding oil consumption.


EXTERNAL LINKS


  • Articles on ghee from Ancient Organics: http://www.ancientorganics.com/articles.htm (commercial site)

  • Table comparing various commercially available ghee products: http://blog.freeradicalfederation.com/archive/2006/07/25/Ghee_Comparison_Table.aspx (non commercial site)