Health Benefits of Cow Ghee And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 10, 2022
Cow Ghee used as an ayurvedic medicine and a staple in Indian cooking, cow ghee contains many vital nutrients which help in making the body healthy and immune to diseases. It impacts large portions of the body from the eye to the abdomen; even the bones tend to get strong due to consumption of ghee.
Another helath benefit of cow ghee is that it is also used on wounds to speed up healing. However, one should note that since cow ghee is high in fat content, it should not be consumed by obese or people with heart and kidney problems.
Cow Ghee
Cow ghee which is produced from cow milk has medicinal value and offers several health benefits. It primarily contains butterfat, along with water and milk proteins. Cow Ghee is made following a simple procedure of boiling butter and then removing the butterfat. Its proteins (whey and casein) and milk solids are removed this way. Cow ghee is what is left behind.
Nutritional Value of Cow Ghee
Cow ghee has all the necessary nutrients value along with antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Let check out cow ghee nutritional value, it contains a high amount of saturated fat which is approximately 7.9 grams per serving. Just as all fats, cow ghee is comparatively high in calories; roughly one tablespoon of serving contains 112 calories. According to the American Heart Association’s recommendation, the total fat intake should be between 25-30% of total calories. So for a person with a 2000 calories diet, the ideal fat consumption should be between 56-78 grams, of which the saturated fat shouldn’t be more than 16 grams. A healthy body can produce its own fat, but it’s beneficial to consume a little extra ghee.
Nutritional facts Per 1 Tbsp (5 g)
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Cow Ghee
Cow ghee for digestion
Cow ghee helps in improving digestive strength by revitalizing secretion of enzymes. Cow ghee is easy to absorb and metabolize as it contains lower chain fatty acids. People with weak digestion must consume cow ghee so that their body can break down their food in a better manner.
Cow ghee is among those rare food items that help in balancing bile without diminishing the intestinal potential of the body. Constipation can be cured with cow ghee. If one consumes a spoonful of cow ghee mixed in lukewarm dairy, they can achieve healthy bowels in the morning
Summary- Cow ghee helps to upgrade the digestive system of the body. It smoothens the bowel movement.
Cow ghee benefits for bones health
The consumption of cow ghee helps in enhancing bone strength and stamina. In fact, the richest source of fat-soluble vitamins in cow ghee. They aid in healthy growth and development of bones and brain, also maintaining their normal functioning.
If the body receives cow ghee at a sustained level, it improves its immunity against several disorders by developing body tissues. It also helps sensory organs to work properly. Capabilities of the brain like wisdom, memory, and intellect also increase due to the consumption of cow ghee.
Summary- Cow ghee is extremely beneficial for the bones. It contributes significantly to improving bone strength.
Cow ghee benefits for heart patients
Cow ghee contains vitamin K2 which helps in reducing the calcium deposition in the arteries, thus protecting against the calcification of arteries. It helps the heart in functioning well by decreasing harmful blood cholesterol levels and boosting the good blood cholesterol level
Summary- The presence of the K2 vitamin in cow ghee, leads to a reduction of calcium deposition. Thus, improving the cardiac health of the person.
Cow ghee weight management
Whether it’s about gaining or losing weight, cow ghee can help in both. For losing weight, it's a good way to obtain Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which increases the metabolic rate; thus supporting weight reduction strategy and reducing stomach fat. It can help in bringing down the insulin resistance, keep a check on weight and help individuals in preventing diabetes. It does not have any hydrogenated natural oils and thus do not allow extra and unneeded fat to deposit.
Summary- Cow ghee is very helpful in weight management. It controls blood sugar, hormonal, and cholesterol levels in the body.
Cow Ghee Increase bone density
They aid in improving bodyweight by increasing bone density and muscle mass rather than accumulating unnecessary excess fat in the body.
Summary- Cow ghee plays an important role in increasing muscle mass and bone density. It eradicates excess fats from the body.
Cow ghee benefits for babies
Cow ghee is an absolute must for kids. It offers better nourishment to youngsters for their healthy development and strengthening of bones, muscles, brain and teeth etc. It supplies instant energy to and satisfies their requirement for extra boost in energy.
Summary- Kids are advised to consume cow ghee every day. It helps in their overall development.
Cow ghee for immune system
Cow Ghee improves kids’ eyesight, memory power, and immunity level thus helping them build healthy bones and muscles. It prevents malnutrition and fat-soluble vitamin deficit syndrome. Cow Ghee encourages the development of the brain and enhances the memory of kids.
Summary- Being a nutrient-power-packed food, cow ghee provides necessary nutrients to the body. It improves the immunity of the body.
Cow ghee benefits for healthy pregnancy
There are several benefits of consuming cow ghee during pregnancy. It offers better nourishment to ladies during pregnancy as they need more natural vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids for healthy growth, and development of their baby.
Cow Ghee prevents the newborn from birth problems like vertebral or bone disorders or malnutrition. It ensures that the foetus receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals that are required for its healthy growth.
Summary- Nutrients present in cow ghee support a healthy pregnancy. It aids in the baby's healthy development.
Cow ghee benefits for eyesight
Cow ghee can be used for an activity called 'Tarpana'. Here a mixture is applied around the eyes, which is made with a chunky paste of flour, and the mixture is filled with herbal ghee. The individual is asked to open his or her eyes and then close them again and again. According to ayurveda, this procedure increases and strengthens the power of the eyes and helps in improving eyesight.
Cow ghee prepared with Triphala can be used for this process. Cow ghee along with Triphala and honey is believed to improve vision. Cow ghee can be applied to the eyes for strengthening the eyes. The eyes can be washed with cow ghee for attaining soothing results when slight itching or burning sensation occurs in one's eyes.
Summary- Cow ghee aids in improving vision. cow ghee alone or after mixing with other things works great for the eyes and prevents common disorders.Cow ghee for fungal infection & wounds
Herbal ghee produced from cow ghee itself is called Jatyadi Ghrita and used for treating external wounds. Two teaspoons of neem, mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric powder and half cup of cow ghee can be applied to heal wounds. In leech therapy, ghee is applied over the infected area. It is advised to use cow ghee over bleeding wounds to have some cooling effect and achieve speedy recovery
Summary- Cow ghee possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties. It helps to treat infections and wounds.
Post-surgery recovery
Earlier, cow ghee was used as a base to make wicks that were used post-surgery. It is also applied over operated sutures for quick recovery. In ayurveda practice, piles and fistula were treated using a special preparation called Kshara; cow ghee can be used on that area after the procedure to ease the burning sensation and discomfort. Cow ghee is an outstanding injury healing agent, if it is applied locally. In children, while doing ear lobe puncturing, cow ghee is used first to reduce pain & irritability while it also eases piercing.
Summary- During post-surgery people require strength to heal faster. Cow ghee should be incorporated into the diet to fulfill the nutritional requirements.
Cow Ghee reduces bladder pain
To reduce the pain in the bladder region, it is advised to have a teaspoon of cow ghee every morning as it helps in relieving the pain. In chronic fever, garlic clove along with cow ghee is prescribed in the diet. To relieve dryness of taste buds and oral cavity, amla powder and raisins are mixed with cow ghee and kept inside the oral cavity for a few minutes. Haritaki powder is used with cow ghee to ease burning sensation. In the treatment of low blood count, Triphala decoction added with cow ghee and sugar is useful.
Summary- Cow ghee helps to alleviate bladder pain if consumed regularly.
Benefit of Cow ghee for skin
Cow ghee has abundant content of antioxidants, a natural emollient, and fatty acids. This help to moisturize the skin naturally. Ghee is also responsible for improving skin repair and softening the skin. It also helps to rejuvenate the skin texture and makes it look young.
Summary- Consuming ghee daily helps to get spotless and healthy skin. It upgrades the glow of the skin.
Benefit of Cow ghee for Hair
The presence of Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants makes ghee a great natural conditioner for hair. It provides essential nutrients to the hair. It gives hydration to the root of the hair. It helps to detangle rough and freezy hair. Cow ghee plays a great role in the strengthening of hair.
Summary- It is advised to use ghee for weak and freezy hairs. It increases the strength of hair.
Benefit of Cow ghee for Brain
Since Cow ghee is fulfilled with all the necessary nutrients, it fuels the neurological functions of the brain. It gives the body all the nutrients it needs. It helps to ameliorate memory and motor skills. It regulates hormonal balance and enhances the rate of regeneration of damaged cell membranes. That’s why it is also known as ‘nector for the brain’.
Summary- Regular consumption of ghee is very important for the overall development of the body. It speeds up the neurological processes.
How to make ghee at home?
Preparing cow ghee at home is not so difficult. By carefully following the processes listed below, it can be made. -
- Take full fat and heavy cream and add 1 cup of curd to it.
- Leave this mixture outside for 7-8 hours.
- Refrigerate this mixture for another 5-6 hours.
- Now blend the cream after adding cold water to it.
- Now, strain the butter and wash it 2-3 times.
- After washing, put this butter on heat until it boils and stir it occasionally.
- Gradually, liquid and thick butter will separate from each other and butter will settle on the bottom of the pan.
- This remaining milk solid is ghee.
- Strain this ghee and put it in an air-tight container.
Summary- Cow ghee can be made easily at home by following above mentioned steps.
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Uses of Cow Ghee
Cow ghee is a highly versatile ingredient and can be used in several ways, such as-
- It is used for cooking in many households.
- It is also utilised by cancer patients since it assists in limiting the proliferation of cancer cells.
- The vocal quality is enhanced by it.
- Additionally used to improve mental wellness is cow ghee.
- It helps increase testosterone levels and is used to increase stamina.
- Many people use it as a home treatment to get radiant skin.
Summary- There are several uses of cow ghee. In order to satisfy the various needs of various people, it can be consumed and administered topically.
Cow Ghee Side-Effects & Allergies
Although cow ghee is not known for its serious side effects, we should take care in following situations-
- Obese people, those with heart conditions, kidney issues, or stomach-related issues should not consume cow ghee.
- People who are overweight or obese should avoid it because it could increase their weight and make them unhealthier.
- Heart patients shouldn't have it as it may increase the risk of a heart attack because it contains fatty acids which increase blood pressure and make them more prone to such attacks.
- People with diseases like jaundice, or those who have some abdominal discomfort should also avoid cow ghee as it may lead to some major problems with the organs.
Summary- Besides several benefits, cow ghee may lead to some side effects like obesity, upset stomach, increase in bp, etc.
Origin And Cultivation of Cow Ghee
The origin of ghee is listed in Indian Vedas and epics, that link the ghee-making to the 3rd century BC. Ghee is the most commonly used dairy product in India.
The production of Ghee is not just confined to the Indian subcontinent only. Several other countries also make ghee. For example, people living in Egypt make a product identical to ghee which is known by the term Samna Baladi, which means “countryside ghee".
The process of making Samna Baladi is similar to that of ghee in terms of method and outcome, however, they commonly make it from buffalo milk instead of cow milk. Ghee is also exported to various other parts of the world which includes some African and Asian countries, Australia, Armenia, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, United States and New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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References
- Sserunjogi ML, Abrahamsen RK, Narvhus J. A review paper: current knowledge of ghee and related products. International Dairy Journal. 1998 Aug 1;8(8):677-88. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Hazra T, Parmar P. Natural antioxidant use in ghee-A mini review. Journal of Food Research and Technology. 2014 Jul;2(3):101-5. [Cited 26 June 2019]. Available from:
- Nirmala KS, Manjula S, Sahajananda H. Effect of two types of dietary ghee on serum lipid levels in rats. J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci2016. 2016 Jun 20;5(49):3240-44. [Cited 26 June 2019].
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