In my opinion, the idea that all types of fat are bad for you is totally bogus. Certain fats, such as Ghee, are not only harmless but a crucial part of a healthy diet. Ghee is a clarified butter that originates from India – it’s made by heating butter and removing the milk solids. What’s left is a golden, slightly caramelized butter oil. It smells like popcorn and melts in your mouth.
Why it’s good for you
In recent studies, Ghee has been shown to help detoxify the arteries of calcium deposits and guide them back into the bones. It has also been shown to help lower LDL (bad cholesterol), improve energy, improve digestion, and nourish the nervous system. Ghee is one of the most important foods in Ayurveda, the oldest form of holistic health originating from India. Ghee also has the ability to help deliver the medicinal qualities of the food it’s cooked in – Ayurveda takes advantage of this by infusing herbs and spices into Ghee.
How to use it
Ghee is not just for Indian food! Use it on toast, to fry your eggs, on popcorn, in stir-fries and in baking. Use it just as you would use butter or oil. Since the milk solids are taken out, Ghee is lactose free and safe for those that are lactose intolerant. Since it has no lactose or water in it, Ghee is also safe to keep outside the refrigerator – just make sure to use a clean utensil, and it will keep at room temperature indefinitely. Incorporating 1-3 Tbs. of Ghee into your everyday diet will help keep your skin luxurious, your hair shiny, and your nerves calm.
Recipe
Cranberry Nut Bread
Preheat oven to 360.Combine:
2 C. Spelt (or Whole Wheat or Gluten Free Flour Mix) Flour
1 C. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Cut 2 Tbs. of Cold Ancient Organics Ghee in with a pastry cutter or with a cold butter knife. Stir in:
3/4 Cup orange juice
1 tsp. orange peel zest
1 egg
1 Tbs. water
Fold in:
1 C. frozen or chopped dried cranberries
1/2 C. chopped walnuts
Pour into oiled loaf pan. Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until you can dip a butter knife into the center of the loaf and it comes out clean. Cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting. Yields 1 loaf.
Iris Campion CAS, CYT, is the owner and primary practitioner of California Ayurveda. She is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and Certified Yoga Teacher.
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