Celebrity Love Affair with Ghee
The conversation around desi ghee has reached new heights, with prominent personalities sharing their appreciation for this traditional Indian cooking
medium. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari confessed on a popular Netflix show that she enjoys a bowl of ghee, emphasizing her belief in the efficacy of India's indigenous home remedies. This sentiment is echoed by television personality Archana Puran Singh, who has openly stated her surprise that many people are unaware of ghee's potential to not cause weight gain, describing it as the superior choice. Adding to this chorus of praise, Navjot Singh Sidhu, her co-judge, strongly advocates for incorporating ghee into the morning routine. He explained that consuming ghee early in the day, especially alongside turmeric and followed by a period without food, encourages the body to burn fat. In contrast, he noted that starting the day with sugary tea leads the body to crave more carbohydrates and fats, perpetuating an unhealthy cycle.
Dietitian Debunks Myths
Challenging the common misconception that ghee is a direct cause of weight gain, chief dietitian Dt Amreen Sheikh of KIMS Hospitals, Thane, provides a professional perspective. She asserts that weight gain is a complex issue stemming from overall caloric intake and dietary imbalance, rather than the consumption of a single food item. When used judiciously and in controlled portions, ghee does not inherently lead to weight accumulation; instead, it can contribute to satiety and aid digestion. Sheikh explains that ghee's calorie density can be a concern if overconsumed, but this was often exacerbated by its pairing with heavy, refined meals in the past, creating a false association. The real culprits were excessive calories and sedentary lifestyles, not ghee itself. Ghee is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, and also contains beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which are vital for maintaining a healthy gut. Furthermore, its lack of lactose and casein makes it a more digestible option than butter for many individuals.
Ghee's Role in Diet
The satiating properties of ghee are a key factor in its potential to support healthy eating habits. According to Dt Amreen Sheikh, its ability to promote fullness can significantly reduce instances of mindless snacking and curb cravings for sugary foods. Moreover, a modest amount of ghee can enhance the flavour profile of meals, making nutritious food more palatable and promoting adherence to healthier dietary choices in the long run. Sheikh advises that for most healthy adults, a daily intake of one to two teaspoons of ghee is generally sufficient. This quantity should account for all uses, including cooking and direct addition to food. The emphasis is on precise measurement rather than liberal pouring to ensure controlled consumption. For individuals managing cholesterol or heart conditions, moderation is paramount due to ghee's saturated fat content. Such individuals should consume ghee sparingly, integrating it into a diet that is otherwise abundant in vegetables, fibre, and unsaturated fats. The overarching principle is that thoughtful usage, portion control, and the overall quality of one's diet are far more critical than the presence of ghee itself, underscoring the importance of balance.
