Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is an ancient remedy that has been used for centuries in Indian and Ayurvedic medicine. Consuming ghee, especially on an empty stomach in the morning, offers a variety of health benefits. Here, we will explore the top advantages of making ghee part of your daily morning ritual.
Benefits of eating ghee in empty stomach
Keeps your cells healthy
Ghee is packed with essential nutrients like healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins A, D, E and K as well as minerals like calcium. Consuming it first thing in the morning provides an instant boost to your body’s cells to keep them nourished and healthy.
The vitamins and minerals also help moisturise the skin from within to prevent dryness, acne breakouts and early wrinkling.
Protects from infections
Due to its antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties, ghee can help protect you from infections when consumed consistently on an empty stomach. It creates a film in the chest and throat that provides warmth and relieves congestion.
Ghee also enables quicker recovery from cough, cold and fever when taken with herbal teas or milk. Its hydrating properties keep nasal passageways lubricated to prevent recurrent allergic reactions or flu.
Promotes brain health
The high-fat content in ghee is essential for nourishing the brain and nerve cells to facilitate proper functioning. Consuming it first thing charges up your brain for enhanced cognition, retention power and mental clarity throughout the day.
Ghee enables efficient fat metabolism in the brain while also preventing plaque formation by eliminating free radicals. Vitamin E further guards the organ from potential diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Helps deal with arthritis
For those suffering from arthritis pain and inflammation, ghee can come as a soothing respite when consumed consistently on an empty stomach. It lubricates the tissues and joints while also strengthening the bones and building mobility.
Ghee has omega 3s that help reduce swelling and pain by decreasing histamine in the body, which is good for the joints. It also has calcium and vitamin D that strengthen bones and help with osteoporosis.
Great for hair
The nourishing fatty acids in ghee reach the hair follicles to strengthen them right from the roots when consumed first thing in the morning. It promotes stronger and more voluminous hair growth while controlling dandruff through its exfoliating action.
The protein and vitamins also boost shine while preventing split ends and breakage.
Boosts immunity
Ghee enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in your gut, enabling optimal nourishment of your body’s immune system. Its antioxidant content specifically helps eliminate disease-causing toxins and radicals floating in your bloodstream and cells.
Starting your day with this powerhouse ingredient thus enables efficient waste removal while supplying your body with strength and endurance to prevent illnesses.
Good for eye health
Ghee contains nutrients which help protect the eyes by forming a protective shield around the retina, safeguarding it from damage caused by the sun's strong rays. The fats in ghee have a moisturising effect that helps soothe dry, red, and itchy eyes.
Additionally, the antioxidants in ghee help slow down the wear and tear of eye muscles, helping to prevent eye conditions such as cataracts.
Improves blood circulation
Ghee mixed with a cup of hot water stimulates digestion to enable efficient nutrient absorption into your bloodstream. The increased healthy fats thus boost circulation to distant organs by blood clots.
This helps regulate hormonal activity while lowering inflammation and risk factors for stroke and heart disease. It also helps moderate blood pressure levels.
Promotes weight loss
Fatty acids help eliminate stubborn belly fat that accumulates around the liver and gut organs. Ghee also enables healthy cholesterol metabolism to burn excess calories from the body.
Moreover, by enhancing the body's ability to metabolise and break down dietary fats more efficiently, ghee ensures that fats are used as a source of energy rather than being stored.
Helps in digestion
Ghee lubricates the intestinal walls to facilitate bowel movement and relieve constipation. Its antimicrobial properties balance out unhealthy gut bacteria to sharpen absorption while easing bloating, cramps and pain.
The acid present in the ghee specifically optimises digestion by enabling the efficient breakdown of nutrients and their smooth passage into your system to prevent acidity, heartburn or piles.
Dosage
- 1-2 teaspoonsful is the recommended dosage for ghee when consumed first thing on an empty stomach. It can be eaten directly or with lukewarm lemon water.
- For detailed Ayurvedic guidance regarding optimal ghee consumption as per your body type, consult an expert practitioner.
Risks & precautions
- Check for quality & purity if buying commercially packaged ghee. Ensure it is organic and derived from pasture-grazing cows unexposed to antibiotics or hormones.
- Avoid ghee if having specific food sensitivities like dairy. Clarified butter is free from milk solids, but trace elements may still be present.
- Monitor portion size & frequency to avoid weight gain or worsening of pre-existing heart conditions.
- Discontinue use if symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea or rashes develop, indicating intolerance.
Conclusion
Incorporating ghee into your mornings can unlock a range of therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. Ensure moderation, quality checks and medical guidance to extract optimal health rewards over long-term use.
FAQs
1. How much ghee should I consume on an empty stomach?
Consuming just one teaspoon (about 5 grams) of ghee on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is enough to get its benefits. Overconsumption of ghee can cause weight gain.
2. What's the best way to consume ghee?
The best way is to take one teaspoon of ghee and swallow it directly. You can also drizzle some ghee over a warm glass of water or add it to your morning tea or coffee. Taking it straight up on an empty stomach allows the fastest absorption.
3. When during the day should ghee be consumed?
Consuming ghee early in the morning on an empty stomach allows it to get absorbed rapidly without interference from food or other drinks. This ensures you gain optimal benefits.
4. Can ghee lead to weight gain or increased cholesterol levels?
Ghee contains healthy fats like omega-3s and medium-chain fatty acids that promote weight loss. Studies show ghee can lower bad LDL cholesterol by 10-20% and increase good HDL levels, hence improving heart health.
5. What type of ghee should I buy?
Opt for organic grass-fed cow ghee that is unprocessed and free of preservatives or chemicals. Such traditional ghee offers superior nutrition and health benefits compared to commercially processed variants.
